LP Affirms Gbwefi As Nasarawa Guber Candidate, Maku For Senate

The Labour Party (LP) has affirmed Rep. Jonathan Gbwefi as its governorship candidate for Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections, alongside former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate for Nasarawa North.

The affirmation took place at a special nomination congress held in Lafia on Saturday, where party delegates and officials endorsed candidates across various elective positions in the state.

According to the party, Gbwefi, who represents Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, emerged unopposed after consensus was reached among delegates in line with the Labour Party constitution, the Electoral Act, and internal guidelines governing primaries.

Dr Kalu Oke, the Returning Officer for the exercise, said Gbwefi’s emergence followed full compliance with constitutional and procedural requirements.

“Accordingly, having satisfied all constitutional and procedural requirements, Hon. Jonathan Gaza is hereby declared the winner and duly returned elected as the Labour Party governorship candidate for Nasarawa State,” Oke announced.

He added that the official certificate of return would be issued at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja in the coming week.

Oke also confirmed the emergence of Maku as the party’s senatorial candidate for Nasarawa North, noting that he also emerged unopposed after fulfilling all requirements for nomination.

The party explained that Maku will contest the June 20, 2026 senatorial by-election triggered by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, as well as the 2027 senatorial election for the district.

Speaking after his affirmation, Gbwefi pledged to deliver transformative leadership if elected governor, promising to reposition Nasarawa State for sustainable development.

He expressed confidence that the Labour Party would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections, describing the party as the platform for “renewal and liberation” in the state.

“By God’s special grace, we are going to win the election, govern Nasarawa State and make the state much better than it is today,” he said.

Gbwefi described his candidacy as a social contract with the people and promised to harness the state’s human and natural resources for inclusive development.

He also called on party supporters and residents to maintain peace during campaigns and political engagement, stressing that the party would pursue issue-based politics.

“At the appropriate time, let us come out to campaign, vote and elect the Labour Party for the liberation and transformation of Nasarawa State,” he said.

Certificates of return were also presented to candidates of the party across senatorial districts, House of Representatives constituencies, and state assembly seats.