By Sam Idoko.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named Hon. David Idris Zacharias, a serving two-term member of the House of Representatives, as its candidate for the Idah Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.
Zacharias emerged winner of a rescheduled party primary held across the constituency’s four local government areas — Idah, Ibaji, Ofu, and Igalamela/Odolu — with final collation taking place at Idah, the constituency headquarters. He polled 388 votes to defeat other aspirants and secure the party’s ticket.
The fresh primary was triggered by the voluntary withdrawal of the party’s earlier candidate, Hon. Paul Ukwenya, in line with electoral guidelines and internal PDP procedures.
Announcing the result at the Kogi State PDP Secretariat in Lokoja on Thursday, the Returning Officer, Emeje Aruwa declared Zacharias the duly elected candidate.
A Serving Lawmaker Raises the Stakes
Zacharias enters the 2027 race with the advantage of incumbency, bringing legislative experience, an established political structure, and familiarity with the constituency after two terms in office. His candidacy is expected to sharpen competition for the seat and add momentum to the PDP’s broader push to consolidate its standing across Kogi East. Analysts see the move as part of a wider party strategy to retain experienced lawmakers while expanding its footprint across the senatorial district.
Accepting the nomination, Zacharias pledged to remain accountable to his constituents and to build on the development record of his previous terms. He expressed confidence in the party’s prospects heading into 2027, predicting a strong showing for the PDP across Kogi State, and described the party as one committed to the welfare of Kogites.
Party Defends Process
Kogi State PDP Chairman Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo said the primary was conducted in line with the party’s constitution, with Ukwenya’s withdrawal necessitating the substitution and subsequent fresh primary. He said the process gave eligible aspirants and delegates a fair opportunity to select the party’s flag-bearer.
The exercise was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Setting the Stage for 2027
Zacharias’s emergence comes as parties across Kogi East begin consolidating candidates and structures ahead of next year’s polls. For the PDP, fielding a sitting federal lawmaker could prove a strategic advantage; for Zacharias, the challenge now is converting his legislative track record into a broad electoral coalition capable of winning another mandate from the people of Idah, Ibaji, Ofu, and Igalamela/Odolu.
With its candidate now settled, the party is expected to shift focus toward reconciliation, grassroots mobilization, and uniting aspirants and stakeholders behind a single campaign structure — setting up what is likely to be a closely watched contest in Kogi East in 2027.
