News Editor
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
As Nigeria gradually inches closer to the 2027 general elections, political movements and strategic mobilizations are already gathering steam in states like Nasarawa, where the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just concluded a spirited three-day thank-you tour across all 13 local government areas of the state.
Led by the Nasarawa State PDP Chairman, Hon. Adamu Bako Ninga, the tour was a culmination of grassroots engagement, strategic consultations, and royal blessings. The event, which commenced in Awe and ended on a tense note in Karu due to a brief disruption by political thugs, was largely seen by political observers and traditional institutions as a recalibration of PDP’s strength ahead of 2027.
The PDP train moved with purpose and precision — from Awe, Keana, Obi, and Doma, down to Lafia, Nasarawa Eggon, Wamba, Akwanga, Kokona, Keffi, Nasarawa, Toto, and finally Karu.
Speaking in Keana, Ninga noted:“This thank-you tour is not just ceremonial. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the people of Nasarawa. We are grateful for the support during the 2023 elections and assure them that PDP is coming stronger in 2027 with a people-driven agenda.”
Each stop was characterized by rousing receptions by supporters, interactions with local stakeholders, and visits to royal palaces where blessings were sought and obtained.
Royal institutions also played a prominent role throughout the tour. In each palace, the message was clear — politics must reflect the will of the people, and peace must be the priority.
In Nasarawa Eggon, HRH, the Aren Eggon Justice (Retired) Ahmed Ubangeri stressed unity.“You are welcome to Nassarawa Eggon. Let peace and truth guide your political journey.”
In Agyaragu the Zhe Migili Dr. Ayuba Agwadu Audu told the visiting PDP delegation:“The Migili people are watching. We want development, not promises. Whoever brings tangible progress has our blessings.”
Our people are not at peace Bandits, kidnappings have taking over our community we no longer have peace or secured”. He said.
In Akwanga, the Chun-Mada, HRH Samson Gamu Yare, gave a similar counsel:“Let there be fairness and mutual respect. Politics must not tear us apart.”
The sentiment was echoed in Doma by the Andoma of Doma, HRH Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah, who also prayed for peaceful engagements.“The people must be allowed to choose their leaders freely. As custodians of culture, we call for issue-based politics, not violence,” he said during the PDP’s courtesy call.Political Pundits Weigh In: 2027 Begins Now.
According to political analyst and lecturer at a university in Nasarawa State, Dr. Dauda Musa, the PDP’s thank-you tour was more than just a gesture of gratitude.“This is clearly a political signal. The party is attempting to rebuild trust, consolidate its base, and court traditional institutions ahead of 2027. That’s smart politics,” he explained.
Another analyst, Mr. Godwin Idoko, emphasized that while the APC remains strong in certain parts of the state, the PDP’s ability to command mass receptions across the LGAs shows it cannot be dismissed.“The PDP is regaining some political oxygen. Their strategy now appears to include both royal and grassroots validation,” he added.
Dr. Hadiza Salihu, a gender and development researcher, noted that the presence of women leaders like Ms Beauty in the PDP entourage signifies an increasing inclusiveness within the party ranks.“If sustained, this could bring the female electorate closer to the PDP in 2027,” she said.
The only blemish on the tour occurred in Karu LGA where suspected political thugs attempted to disrupt the event. Swift intervention by security personnel averted what could have escalated.
Hon. Adamu Bako Ninga condemned the incident, urging security agencies to investigate the sponsors of the disruption.“We are undeterred. No amount of intimidation can stop us from engaging our people,” he declared.
Chief Mathew Akwe, a PDP elder and founding member of the party in Doma, described the tour as a “spiritual rebirth” of the PDP in Nasarawa State.“This movement is not just political; it is prophetic. PDP is reconnecting with the roots it planted over two decades ago. The turnout shows that the people are tired of deception,” he said.
Akwe noted that the party’s humility in seeking blessings from monarchs and voters alike is winning hearts.“We are not imposing candidates; we are listening, consulting. That is how democracy should work,” he added.
From Kokona to Nasarawa Eggon, stakeholders emphasized a common theme — the need for leadership that listens. In Wamba, youth leader Ibrahim Musa said:“We’ve seen the difference. What PDP is doing now is what we expect from a responsible party — coming back to say thank you and ask what next?”
In Lafia, a women’s leader, Mrs. Hassana Usman, praised the party’s inclusive strategy:“For the first time in a long while, we are seeing women consulted meaningfully. We hope this translates to nominations and positions.”
The PDP delegation was often accompanied by past political appointees, former lawmakers, and party stalwarts — each adding weight to the campaign-style thank-you tour.
Since 1999, PDP has played a pivotal role in shaping Nasarawa politics. From the days of Governor Abdullahi Adamu’s defection to the birth of APC, to late Aliyu Doma’s administration, the party has maintained strongholds in parts of the state.
However, 2011 marked a turning point when the APC (then CPC) gained ascendancy under Governor Tanko Al-Makura, changing the political equation.
The 2023 elections were a wake-up call for both parties. While APC retained the governorship through the Supreme Court verdict in favor of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the PDP’s performance, especially in urban centers like Karu and Lafia, stunned observers.
Recall that in the 2023 general elections, the PDP came close to unseating the APC in Nasarawa State, with its governorship candidate, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, mounting a formidable challenge that left a lasting impact. Though the court battle ultimately swung in favor of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the momentum gained by PDP remains a critical point of political conversation.
Political scientist, Dr. Maryam Zakari of Nasarawa State University, noted:“The psychological gain from 2023 has not faded. If PDP maintains this grassroots connection, it stands a chance to reclaim its lost glory in 2027.”
The tour also saw numerous defectors from other parties rejoining the PDP, especially in Keffi, Toto, and Akwanga. This explains a subtle but strategic inroad the party is making toward reconciliation and expansion.
In Keffi, Elder Suleiman Nasidi, the PDP Elders Forum Chairman, described the defections as “proof of credibility.”“People are not just returning to PDP; they are returning because they believe it offers a better future,” he said.Conclusion: Beyond Gratitude, a Political Awakening
While some might view the tour as a mere public relations effort, there is growing consensus that it represents a deeper political awakening, not just for the PDP, but for Nasarawa’s electorate.
With multiple traditional rulers blessing the process, political analysts interpreting the momentum as a 2027 build-up, and grassroots supporters rallying in all LGAs, the message is unmistakable: the political climate in Nasarawa is shifting.
Whether PDP’s renewed approach leads to electoral success will depend on its consistency, transparency, candidate selection, and ability to manage internal dissent. But one thing is certain — the party has moved from courtroom drama to street-level engagement, and the people are watching closely.“This is not the end of a tour; it is the beginning of a movement.” Nasidi.
