Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party completed gubernatorial primaries across multiple states Monday, with Adebutu Lamido and Sam Ode Aondoakaa among candidates who emerged victorious. The contests determined who will lead the opposition’s state-level challenges to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Lamido’s win in Ogun drew attention because of his family’s longstanding influence in southwest politics. Aondoakaa secured the Benue ticket amid debates over experience and grassroots mobilization.
Party elders mediated disputes in several states where losing aspirants threatened litigation. National officials urged unity slates to avoid split votes in 2027 elections.
Newspaper roundups highlighted heavy spending on delegate logistics and security. Independent monitors called for clearer publication of results sheets to reduce fraud allegations.
Successful candidates will face incumbent governors in several battleground states next year. Party officials scheduled unity rallies to discourage parallel candidacies from defeated aspirants. Civil society groups urged transparent publication of delegate lists used in Monday’s votes.
Women’s caucuses in the PDP urged more female candidates after Monday’s results. Media houses published delegate tallies state by state to improve transparency compared with prior primaries.
PDP national chairpersons scheduled strategy sessions to align gubernatorial campaigns with the presidential timetable. Campaign managers in Rivers and Kaduna said they would announce running mates within two weeks.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
News Headlines May 25, 2026. Headlines From Nigeria’s Major Newspapers