Plateau PDP Crisis Deepens as Rival Factions Unveil Separate 2027 Governorship Candidates

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after two rival factions moved ahead with separate governorship endorsements for the 2027 election, raising concerns about the party’s unity and electoral future.

The latest development saw the faction led by Tanimu Turaki present a Certificate of Return to Sunday Garba Biggs as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Plateau governorship race. The presentation took place on Wednesday during a gathering of party stakeholders and members aligned with the Turaki-led leadership structure.

The event followed a similar move by another faction reportedly loyal to former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which on Tuesday presented its own Certificate of Return to a preferred governorship candidate for the same election.

The ceremony organised by the Turaki faction was attended by members of its National Working Committee, state party chairmen, elders, Board of Trustees members, governorship aspirants and other stakeholders from across the country.

Speaking after receiving the certificate, Sunday Garba Biggs described the development as a vote of confidence in his leadership abilities. He said the endorsement places the responsibility of leading the PDP’s governorship campaign in Plateau State on his shoulders and pledged to pursue policies focused on peace, development and good governance.

Supporters at the event praised Biggs as a leader capable of uniting Plateau residents and advancing the state’s development agenda. They expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen the party’s position ahead of the next general election.

However, political observers have warned that the emergence of multiple candidates from competing factions could further complicate the PDP’s internal challenges in Plateau State. The situation has sparked fears that unresolved leadership disputes may weaken the party’s chances at the polls.

Analysts also recalled the party’s legal troubles following the 2023 elections, when several elected PDP lawmakers lost their seats after court rulings linked to internal party irregularities. They cautioned that a repeat of similar disputes could have serious consequences for the party’s 2027 ambitions if the current divisions remain unresolved.