2027: NDC affirms Dapal, Vincent for Plateau governorship race

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has affirmed Alfred Dapal Damiyal as its governorship candidate for Plateau State in the 2027 general election, with Meadkom Dung Vincent as his running mate.

The affirmation took place on Tuesday at the party’s state secretariat in Jos, where delegates and stakeholders endorsed the governorship ticket. The exercise was reportedly supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The development comes against the backdrop of controversy over the party’s governorship ticket in the state.

Earlier this month, the NDC national leadership publicly listed Plateau State Chairman Solomon Ndam as its governorship candidate, while Jonathan Sunday Akuns had earlier emerged unopposed at the party’s May 29 primary. Reports subsequently emerged of moves to substitute the candidate, triggering protests within the state chapter.

Dapal, who presented his blueprint for the state, identified restoration of peace as a major priority, alongside education, economic development, employment, agriculture and infrastructure.

Represented at the event by Vincent, Dapal said Plateau needed a fundamental change in its approach to governance, arguing that emerging challenges could not be effectively tackled with outdated methods and ideas.

He said his administration, if elected, would pursue policies aimed at improving security, creating economic opportunities and strengthening critical sectors of the state’s economy.

Ndam said the party was preparing for the governorship election and would intensify mobilisation across the state following the affirmation.

He said an NDC administration would place the interests of Plateau and its people at the centre of governance.

With the affirmation of Dapal and Vincent, the party is expected to step up its campaign and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.