Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and member representing Pankshin North, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel, has announced his decision to step down from contesting for the Senate seat of the Pankshin, Kanam, and Kanke, PKK, federal constituency on the platform of the Young Peoples Party, YPP, to seek re-election into the State House of Assembly in the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Gabriel had been widely tipped to contest for the senate seat after he reportedly purchased the nomination form for the contest but in an announcement on Wednesday, the ex-Speaker said he is stepping down from the senate bid to focus on the re-election into the State House of Assembly.

In the statement titled “Positive Impact to Humanity Phase 2, Pankshin North 2027,” the lawmaker said his decision came following extensive consultations with family members, political stakeholders, supporters, youths, elders, and associates across the constituency.

He stated that his decision was informed by the ongoing political discussions surrounding the senate seat in the PKK zone, the position of his party as an opposition platform, and the need to protect the unity and collective interest of the people.

Hon. Gabriel stressed that his decision is a “sacrifice made in the interest of peace and inclusiveness”, noting that he did not want to be seen as an obstacle to the widely expressed desire of the Ngas people in Pankshin North concerning the Senate position.

He further reaffirmed his opposition to any third-term agenda in the zone, maintaining that he remains committed to the anti-third-term movement and ready to support any credible candidate willing to resist attempts at tenure extension in PKK politics.

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, has reacted to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.

Mark said Atiku’s emergence as ADC’s presidential candidate is an indication that democracy can still work.

Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen at the ADC’s presidential primary by a wide margin.

Speaking at the official collation and declaration of the results in Abuja, Mark said: “Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate.

“Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and to Nigerians.

“It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare. That a party can organize itself around principles instead of personalities. And that in a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible.

‘That is why this gathering matters. And that is why history will remember what we have done here Today.

“Let me begin by thanking every member of the African Democratic Congress for your steadfastness, your patience, your sacrifices, your understanding, and your faith in this party, especially in the face of daunting challenges. Many people doubted us. Some dismissed us. Others predicted confusion, division, and even outright collapse.”

Mark also commended Amaechi and the former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and former Chairman of NNDC, Hayatu-Deen.

He noted that the ADC is the only party that had three aspirants contesting for the presidential ticket.

“It is important to mention that we are the only political party to have 3 strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket.

“This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy and democratic practices,” he added.

Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party, LP, says it will hold the party’s governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly primary elections  simultaneously on Saturday, May 30, 2026, across the 184 wards of Abia State.

This was contained in a statement released by the Publicity Secretary of LP in Abia State, Iroegbu Emenike on Thursday.

Emenike said that the development followed the official directive and communication earlier transmitted by the national leadership of the LP to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, notifying the Commission of the adjustment and harmonization of the primary election dates nationwide.

The party advised all party faithful across the  184 Wards in the 17 LGAs,  to adequately prepare for the exercise, assured all the members and aspirants that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to guarantee orderly primary elections.

The LP further promised that the exercise would be credible and, peaceful and inclusive in line with the Electoral Act, the constitution of the Labour Party and all established democratic guidelines governing the process.

However, the announcement of the simultaneous primary election did not indicate if the party would conduct a primary to pick its presidential candidate or not.