By Yahaya Idris, Kogi
There was jubilation in Idah Federal Constituency of Kogi State as stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally affirmed the incumbent member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The affirmation followed a rescheduled primary election held at the Late Dr. Stephen Achema Handball Stadium, Idah, which brought together major PDP stakeholders and delegates from Idah, Ibaji, Ofu and Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Areas.
The fresh primary became necessary following the voluntary withdrawal of the earlier candidate, Hon. Paul Ukwenya, in accordance with applicable electoral and party guidelines.
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At the conclusion of the exercise, Hon. Zacharias emerged victorious and was subsequently affirmed as the PDP flag bearer for the Idah Federal Constituency.
The development marks a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, coming months after Zacharias defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP.
Zacharias: I Will Guard the People’s Mandate
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Zacharias pledged to protect the mandate entrusted to him by the people and sustain the developmental strides recorded in the constituency during his previous representations.
He expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the PDP, saying the party would achieve a “clean sweep” in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the PDP remains a people-centred political platform committed to the welfare and development of the people of Kogi State.
PDP CConfirms ompliance with Guidelines
The Kogi State PDP Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo, said the primary election was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution and relevant electoral guidelines.5
He added that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies monitored the exercise.
Zonal Chairman Commends Zacharias
The PDP Zonal Chairman, Hon. Idris Igagwu, commended Rt. Hon. David Zacharias for returning to what he described as his original political family.
Igagwu said Zacharias had contributed significantly to the development of his constituency and expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in the forthcoming election.the
He also hinted that more political actors could join the party in the coming days as the 2027 political season gathers momentum.
Grassroots Support
Zacharias, a two-term federal lawmaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, is widely regarded by his supporters as a strong grassroots mobiliser with substantial political followership across the federal constituency and beyond.
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His emergence is expected to intensify political activities in Idah, Ibaji, Ofu and Igalamela/Odolu as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
With the formal affirmation, attention is now shifting towards the campaign season, with residents and political observers keen to witness increased political mobilisation and possible movements of prominent political figures across party lines.