PDP UNITY TRIUMPHS AS 36 CANDIDATES, 42 LG CHAIRMEN/SECRETARIES ENDORSE CHIEF CALEB AS GUBER- CANDIDATE IN ADAMAWA —Caleb Andrew Secures Overwhelming Support as Party Charts Course for 2027 Victory

By Fidelis Jockthan

In a powerful display of political cohesion and strategic foresight, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State has sent a resounding message of unity to the nation, as a staggering 36 candidates and 21 local government party chairmen and secretaries unanimously endorsed the gubernatorial candidature of Chief Caleb Andrew Myebangara FCA JP (Shettiman Batta) during a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting at the party secretariat in Yola.

The atmosphere was charged with optimism as party faithful from across the state’s 21 local government areas converged for what many described as a watershed moment in Adamawa’s political landscape.
The endorsement, which came during a strategic session attended by three senatorial candidates, eight House of Representatives candidates, twenty-five members of the House of Assembly, alongside local government executives, signaled a formidable alliance poised to reclaim the state’s mandate in the 2027 general elections.

The hall resonated with encomiums as stakeholders praised Chief Caleb’s fearless leadership and remarkable ability to nurture and sustain the party through turbulent times, particularly during the infamous ‘Kafarka-Kafarmu’ syndrome that saw several members defect to other political platforms. His unwavering commitment to party ideals, even when faced with mass exoduses, has earned him the reputation of a steadfast leader who prioritizes the party’s survival above personal ambition.
Umar Alhaji Abdul, running mate
“Chief Caleb personally established a robust structure from the state down to the local government levels, investing personal resources and strategic acumen over three years to ensure his vision for a united PDP becomes reality,” a senior party official remarked during the session.

The governorship candidate, addressing the gathering, lauded the resilience and steadfastness of party faithful, expressing profound gratitude for their unwavering belief that Adamawa State remains an impregnable PDP stronghold come 2027.

“The PDP is not just a party; it is a movement deeply embedded in the hearts of not only Adamawa people but Nigerians across the federation,” Chief Caleb declared to thunderous applause.

In a gesture that reinforced his commitment to collective victory, Chief Caleb assured all candidates of his full support, while imploring them to prioritize prayer and unity as indispensable tools for electoral success.

“I want to assure all our candidates that we will stand by you. The party leadership, alongside the executives, will work assiduously to expand our frontiers for a formidable victory in the 2027 general elections,” Chief Caleb declared emphatically.

He further expressed confidence in the party’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its legitimacy through constitutional means at the national headquarters in Abuja, emphasizing that the legal battles confronting the party were surmountable challenges that would ultimately strengthen the PDP’s resolve.

In a significant development that has been eagerly anticipated by party faithful, Umar Alhaji Abdu was officially unveiled as the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate. Hailing from Fufore Local Government Area in the central senatorial zone, Alhaji Abdu’s selection represents a strategic move aimed at consolidating support across the state’s diverse senatorial districts.

The newly unveiled running mate, in his acceptance speech, pledged absolute loyalty and support to Chief Caleb and the PDP, describing the gubernatorial candidate as an honest, fearless, and worthy politician who has stood by the party despite the recent exit of some members.

“I thank the gubernatorial candidate and party stakeholders for finding me worthy of this responsibility. Chief Caleb is an honest, fearless, and worthy politician who has stood by the party despite the recent exit of some members. I promise to remain committed to the party’s ideals and work tirelessly for our collective victory,” Alhaji Abdu stated with conviction.
A major highlight of the event was the official presentation of nomination forms sent by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to all PDP candidates for onward documentation. The candidates included:

· 3 Senatorial Candidates representing the three senatorial zones
· 8 House of Representatives Candidates
· 25 House of Assembly Candidates

Chief Caleb used the occasion to issue a stern warning against anti-party activities, emphasizing the need for loyalty and discipline among members as the party prepares for the electoral battle ahead.

“All your names will be uploaded on the INEC portal. I urge you to work for the PDP from the top down to the ward level. We cannot afford internal sabotage if we are to achieve our collective dream,” he cautioned.
The Adamawa State PDP Chairman, Mr. Stephen Heluwa, who served as the convener of the crucial meeting, commended Chief Caleb for his unwavering commitment and resilience in facilitating the party’s progress despite intimidation from various quarters.

“Chief Caleb Andrew Myebangara has been at the forefront of advancing the party’s interests. His courage and determination are commendable,” Heluwa stated, expressing delight at the large turnout of stakeholders.

The Chairman, who has been at the helm of the party’s caretaker committee, called for commitment and unity of purpose among all members, emphasizing that the movement to victory has only just begun.

“I cannot overemphasize the need for loyalty to the party. We must remain united if we are to achieve success in 2027,” he added.

The high-powered session deliberated extensively on issues of unity, reconciliation, and strategic considerations for a comprehensive mobilization framework ahead of the 2027 elections. The consensus submissions by all candidates included:
Senatorial candidate receiving INEC nomination form
1. The need for available financial resources to facilitate the campaign process and ensure effective grassroots mobilization
2. Elimination of doubts surrounding litigation threatening the party’s legitimacy, with a call for all legal challenges to be resolved expeditiously
3. Establishment of formidable party structures down to the grassroots to ensure effective voter education and mobilization
4. Expansion of party offices to all ward levels to strengthen the party’s presence and accessibility

Stakeholders spoke freely, sharing their minds on what is expected of every member for the party to reclaim its mandate in the 2027 general elections. A vote of confidence was overwhelmingly passed on Chief Caleb Andrew Myebangara.

Chief Caleb used the opportunity to thank the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki SAN, for deploying constitutional procedures in all the victories recorded both at the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

“I assure the NWC that Adamawa State remains a PDP state. We will continue to uphold the party’s constitution and work towards reclaiming our mandate,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of PDP, Stephen Heluwa, set the tone for the historic gathering:

“On behalf of the Adamawa State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I warmly welcome our respected Party Leader and Governorship Candidate, distinguished stakeholders, elders of our great Party, elected and former public office holders, Candidates, LGA Chairmen and Secretaries, women leaders, youth leaders, and all party faithful to this very important stakeholders’ meeting.

“Let me begin by sincerely appreciating every one of you for honoring this invitation despite your busy schedules. Your presence here today demonstrates your unwavering commitment to the unity, progress, and success of our great party in Adamawa State.

“Today’s meeting is both timely and significant. First, it gives us the opportunity to appreciate Almighty God for granting us the wisdom, strength, and peaceful atmosphere to successfully conduct our Pre-Primary and Primary Elections across the State.

“I wish to specially congratulate all our candidates who emerged from the primary elections, particularly our Governorship Candidate, His Excellency, Chief Caleb Andrew Myebangara (Shetima Bata). Your emergence reflects the confidence and trust reposed in you by our party members and stakeholders. We pray for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as you lead us into the 2027 general elections.

“At the same time, I wish to sincerely commend all aspirants who participated in the primaries. Democracy naturally produces winners and others who may not emerge at a particular moment, but I want to emphasize that within our party, there are no losers. Every aspirant remains an important asset to the PDP family.

“As we all know, primary elections can sometimes create misunderstandings, disappointments, and temporary divisions. However, the strength of a political party lies not in the absence of differences, but in its ability to reconcile, unite, and move forward stronger than before.

“Therefore, I wish to use this opportunity to call on every member of our great party to place collective interest above personal ambition. The primaries are over; now the real task begins. The election ahead is not about one individual, one group, or one interest—it is about the future of Adamawa State and the aspirations of our people.

“This meeting has therefore been convened to consult, listen, strategize, and collectively chart the way forward as one united family. We are here to exchange ideas, strengthen our structures from the State to the Ward level, and develop practical strategies for mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“As Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, I assure all stakeholders that this Committee remains committed to fairness, inclusion, transparency, and justice in the discharge of our responsibilities. We shall continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every voice is heard and every member feels a sense of belonging.

“I urge everyone here to speak frankly but constructively. Let our contributions today be guided by wisdom, maturity, patriotism, and genuine concern for the future of our party.

“The task before us is enormous, but it is achievable. With unity of purpose, discipline, commitment, and effective mobilization, I am confident that victory in 2027 is within our reach. Let us leave this meeting more united, more determined, and more prepared than ever before.”

With the unveiling of the running mate, presentation of INEC forms, and renewed commitment to unity and reconciliation, the Adamawa State PDP appears poised for a robust campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party leadership has called on all members to remain steadfast and focused, emphasizing that with collective effort, victory is assured.

Political observers note that the unanimous endorsement and strategic alignment witnessed at the Yola meeting could serve as a template for other state chapters seeking to consolidate their electoral fortunes ahead of the crucial 2027 polls.

As the political landscape begins to take shape for Nigeria’s next general elections, the PDP in Adamawa State has demonstrated that despite the challenges of internal democracy and external pressures, the party remains a formidable force capable of rallying its members toward a common goal.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains Nigeria’s leading opposition party, committed to democratic principles, good governance, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. The Adamawa State chapter, under the leadership of the Caretaker Committee, continues to work towards reclaiming the state’s mandate and advancing the interests of its citizens through inclusive and visionary leadership.