ABUJAABUJA — June 24, 2026 The leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State deepened on Wednesday after two rival factions issued certificates of return to different governorship candidates for the 2027 election at separate events in Abuja.The faction led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, commenced the formal presentation of a certificate of return to Sunday Garba Biggs, affirming him as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Plateau State election. The ceremony took place during the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) Stakeholders’ Meeting with State Chairmen, Elders, Board of Trustees Members, and Governorship Candidates. At the meeting, party leaders reiterated their commitment to unity, internal democracy, and electoral victory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a dramatic turn, barely hours later, the faction aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, held its own presentation ceremony and issued a certificate of return to businessman Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as “Kefiano.” Ropshik was presented alongside other candidates backed by the faction.
The Turaki camp maintains that Biggs is the “authentic flag bearer” and claims the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a certificate of return to their camp while rejecting the Wike faction.Conversely, the Wike-aligned group insists that Ropshik is the PDP’s authentic governorship candidate for Plateau. The group further contends that INEC’s portal recognizes only the Wike-backed PDP faction led by Abdulrahman.
With both factions asserting legitimacy, PDP members in Plateau remain uncertain over which candidate will fly the party’s flag against incumbent Governor Caleb Mutfwang in the 2027 polls. As of Wednesday evening, INEC had not issued an official statement confirming recognition of either candidate.
