Zacharias Secures PDP Ticket for Idah Federal Constituency Ahead of 2027

Hon. David Idris Zacharias has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Idah Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election.

Zacharias, a serving two-term member of the House of Representatives, emerged from the party’s rescheduled primary election conducted across Idah, Ibaji, Ofu and Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Areas.

He secured 388 votes to defeat other aspirants and clinch the PDP ticket, with the final collation of results held in Idah, the headquarters of the federal constituency.

The primary was rescheduled following the voluntary withdrawal of the party’s earlier candidate, Hon. Paul Ukwenya.

Declaring the result at the Kogi State PDP Secretariat in Lokoja, the Returning Officer, Emeje Aruwa, pronounced Zacharias the winner and duly elected candidate of the party.

Zacharias Promises to Protect Mandate

In his acceptance speech, Zacharias thanked party members and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to remain committed to the interests of the people.

“I will jealously guard the people’s mandate,” he said.

The lawmaker promised to build on the developmental progress recorded during his previous terms while working to further advance the interests of constituents across the four local government areas.

Zacharias also expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects in the 2027 elections, predicting a strong performance for the party across Kogi State.

“We are confident that the PDP will record a clean sweep in the 2027 general election,” he said.

PDP Explains Conduct of Fresh Primary

The state PDP Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo, said the fresh primary was conducted in line with the party’s Constitution and established procedures.

Gambo explained that Ukwenya’s voluntary withdrawal created the need for a new process to select the party’s candidate for the constituency.

He said the exercise provided eligible aspirants and delegates with the opportunity to participate in the selection process.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise, alongside security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC and DSS.

Political Stakes Rise in Kogi East

The emergence of Zacharias is expected to further intensify political activities in Kogi East as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

His status as a two-term federal lawmaker gives the PDP a candidate with legislative experience and an existing political network in the constituency.

The development is also likely to influence the wider political calculations in Kogi East, where the PDP is seeking to strengthen its presence and improve its chances of securing legislative seats.

With the primary concluded, the party now faces the task of uniting its members, reconciling all interests and commencing sustained grassroots mobilisation ahead of the general election.

For Zacharias, the challenge will be to translate his experience in the National Assembly and support within the constituency into another electoral victory.

The stage is now set for what promises to be a closely watched contest for Idah Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.

—Sam Idoko