The Labour Party in Nasarawa State has picked the member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Jonathan Gaza, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.
The decision was announced on Saturday during the party’s nomination congress held in Lafia, the state capital, where results of the primaries were officially collated.
In addition, the party affirmed former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, as its flag bearer for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Maku will contest both the 2026 by-election scheduled for June 20 and the 2027 senatorial election in the zone.
Declaring the outcome, the Returning Officer for the primaries, Dr. Kalu Ekeh, said Gaza emerged after securing majority support from delegates in line with the Labour Party Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the party’s internal guidelines.
He stated that all constitutional and procedural requirements were duly met, leading to Gaza’s declaration as the party’s governorship candidate. Ekeh added that the certificate of return would be formally issued at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja in the coming week.
On his part, Labaran Maku was returned unopposed as the party’s senatorial candidate for Nasarawa North after fulfilling all necessary requirements.
Maku is expected to contest the upcoming senatorial by-election following the passing of Senator Godiya Akwashiki.
Speaking after his emergence, Gaza pledged to deliver transformative governance if elected governor in 2027, promising to end what he described as “business-as-usual leadership” in the state.
He expressed confidence in victory, calling on supporters to mobilise peacefully and work towards securing electoral success for the Labour Party across all levels.
According to him, his candidacy represents a social contract with the people, with a focus on harnessing both human and natural resources to drive development in Nasarawa State.
Gaza further urged residents to participate actively in the electoral process, stressing peaceful campaigning and voting as key to achieving political change in the state.
The party also issued certificates of return to other candidates who will contest seats in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly across Nasarawa’s three senatorial districts and 13 local government areas.