The controversy surrounding the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship ticket in Bauchi State appears to have been resolved following the publication of Senator Shehu Buba Umar’s name by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Recall that barely hours after Senator Shehu Buba defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), a governorship aspirant of the party, Safiyanu Gambo, approached the court challenging Senator Buba’s emergence as the PRP governorship flag bearer.

Buba was listed by the electoral commission as the PRP’s candidate for the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election.

INEC also published the details of his running mate and other candidates sponsored by the party for the State House of Assembly.

The development followed the commission’s publication of the particulars of candidates in line with Section 29(3) of the 2026 Electoral Act.

The publication is expected to end questions that had recently surrounded the legitimacy of the PRP’s governorship ticket, as well as the candidacies of its deputy governorship and legislative candidates in the state.

Speaking on the development, Buba welcomed the decision, describing it as a major relief for the party and its supporters.

He said the publication had removed the uncertainty surrounding the candidates presented by the PRP for the 2027 election.

“Praise be to Allah. The issue surrounding the authenticity of my candidature, that of my deputy and the PRP candidates for the State House of Assembly has now been put to rest,” he said.

The PRP candidate appealed to members and supporters of the party to close ranks and focus their attention on issues affecting residents of Bauchi State.

Umar said the party would seek to distinguish itself through issue-based campaigns and adherence to democratic principles, while presenting itself as an alternative to the existing political options in the state.

He also pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritise a development agenda centred on the needs and welfare of the people.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Enugu State has appointed Nigerian-American businessman, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, as the leader of the party in the state.

Ogbonnia was announced as the party leader following an expanded state executive meeting held in Enugu on Saturday.

The party’s secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.

Okafor said the decision was taken in recognition of Ogbonnia’s contributions to the growth of the party and his support for the electoral victory of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to him, the new leadership arrangement is expected to improve coordination among party members and provide effective direction as the party prepares for upcoming political activities.

“The party is focused on building a united structure that will work collectively towards electoral victory, which is why it was created in the first instance.

“With someone like Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the growth and stability of the NDC in Enugu State, victory is assured come 2027.

“This is because his background in business, academia and public affairs will bring valuable experience to the party’s leadership, and we believe that his experience and exposure will contribute meaningfully to the development of the NDC in Enugu State,” Okafor said.

He urged members and supporters of the party to support the new leadership and remain committed to the objectives of the NDC.

“This is a time for unity, discipline and collective responsibility among members of the party. The party remains committed to presenting a credible political alternative to the people of Enugu State and Nigeria.

“Our objective is clear: to build a strong political platform capable of delivering the change Nigerians are demanding,” he added.

The state chairman of the party, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, while speaking, commended the National Leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, and the National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, for their efforts to unite the party across the country, particularly in Enugu State.

He assured members that the state leadership would continue to mobilise support and strengthen the party’s structures across the state.