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By Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed a new state chairman, Dr Joel Gimba Daniel, following the removal of the former chairman, Alhaji Adamu Ninga, over allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities.
The State Secretary of the party, Engr. Kefas Kaura, disclosed this on Thursday shortly after an emergency meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC), stating that the decision followed due process as enshrined in the party’s constitution.
Kaura explained that Ninga had earlier been suspended after a series of complaints bordering on alleged unilateral decisions, poor leadership style, and actions considered detrimental to the unity and progress of the party in the state.
“Yes, for some time, we have been having issues, and that led to the suspension of our chairman, Alhaji Adamu Ninga. We invoked the constitutional provisions, suspended him, and set up a disciplinary committee,” he said.
According to him, the committee, after its deliberations, recommended Ninga’s removal as chairman, though not his expulsion from the party. “He is still a party member, but he has been removed from his position as the state chairman. Based on that recommendation, we convened the State Executive Committee meeting today to brief members and get their approval before transmitting it for ratification at the NEC level, and that is what we have just done,” Kaura added.
He further noted that the committee’s timeline was shortened due to Ninga’s failure to honour invitations.
“The person in question was invited twice but failed to appear before the disciplinary committee. If he had appeared, the process would have taken the stipulated four weeks. His refusal to appear amounts to an admission under the constitution,” he stated.
The secretary maintained that all constitutional procedures were strictly followed in effecting the leadership change.
“We are guided by the constitution. We have legal experts, and every step taken was in line with the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017. There was no provision regarding replacement that was not followed,” he said.
Announcing the new chairman, Kaura said Dr Daniel emerged after wide consultations and endorsements by stakeholders.
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“Our new chairman is Dr Joel Daniel. He is an academic, self-employed, a diplomat, and a diehard member of the PDP. He has worked for the party, and we have seen his contributions. Akwanga stakeholders recommended him, and virtually the entire local government endorsed him,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We believe that by the grace of God, as he assumes duty, we will begin to see changes, and the PDP will return to its winning ways,” he added.
In his remarks, the former acting chairman who is now the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Zachariah Daniel, welcomed the development, describing it as a step towards stabilising the party.
“I am very excited and grateful. There is no way an organisation with leadership challenges can move forward. With the emergence of the new chairman, we believe he has the capacity to move the party forward. We are all in support and will work 100 per cent with him to succeed,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Dr Joel Gimba Daniel, declared that the PDP in Nasarawa State had “fully regained its footing” and was ready to reclaim power from the ruling party in 2027.
“Today is the day the PDP in Nasarawa State has come back to its feet. Our focus is not on the past but on how to move forward and reconnect with our people across all the wards and villages,” he said.
He added that efforts would be intensified to mobilise members and reconcile aggrieved stakeholders.
“My message is to awaken our members from slumber. It is time to go to the field and begin mobilisation. I have mapped out strategies to deploy reconciliation mechanisms from the ward to the national level. I assure you that those who left the party will return before the next general election,” he said.
Daniel expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election.
“The best player can come in at any time and change the game. I am here to stabilise the party and ensure victory. PDP will win Nasarawa State in 2027,” he declared.
