2027 Calculations? Former Information Minister Labaran Maku Leaves PDP, Joins SDP

A former Minister of Information and former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Labaran Maku, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Social Democratic Party, pledging to galvanise support for the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Maku made the disclosure while briefing newsmen alongside SDP officials at his residence in Wakama, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday.

According to him, he decided to join the party to add value and contribute positively to its development in the state and across the country.

“I have joined the SDP in order to contribute my quota to the success of the party. I will develop the party by God’s grace,” he said.

The former minister, who outlined his achievements in employment, empowerment and infrastructural development during his tenure as commissioner, deputy governor and minister, assured party officials that he would work for the victory of the SDP before, during and after the 2027 elections.

He added, “Today, I called you to let you know that I have pitched my tent with the Social Democratic Party. I have chosen SDP to honour the memories of late MKO Abiola and late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the best senator that Nasarawa North and Nasarawa State at large ever produced.

“Senator Godiya Akwashiki has signature projects in communities across Nasarawa North Senatorial District. I am proud of him because he performed well while he represented us at the National Assembly.”

While noting that the party already has supporters across the 13 local government areas of the state, Maku said his defection would further boost its support base, expressing confidence that many SDP candidates would emerge victorious in future elections.

He also stated that following calls from stakeholders in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba constituencies to contest the vacant Nasarawa North senatorial seat after the demise of Akwashiki, he would be ready to answer if called upon, pending approval from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“I am ready to do any assignment given to me by my party and the people of the senatorial district. I will not say no to them,” he said.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, Maku advised state governors against imposing candidates on their successors, stressing the need for good governance and democratic principles.

He also urged residents of the state to remain united and embrace peace for overall development.

On his part, the SDP Zonal Chairman in Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Mohammed Audu, commended Maku for joining the party and assured him of equal rights and privileges for all members.

Meanwhile, in his resignation letter addressed to the PDP chairman of Wakama Electoral Ward in Nasarawa Eggon LGA, Maku expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve in various capacities.

In the letter obtained by our correspondent, the former minister said his exit became inevitable due to the lingering crisis within the PDP and the collective desire of his supporters to chart a new political course.

The letter read in part, “In line with party guidelines and the Electoral Act, I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the PDP effective from the date of this letter.

“My exit has become inevitable as a result of the regrettable crisis that has bedevilled the party and the unanimous calls and desires of our people to chart a new course for their political future and survival.

“This painstaking decision was arrived at after deliberations with my family, a broad spectrum of my political followers and structure, including party leaders, political associates across board, traditional and community leaders, and my teeming supporters.

“I remain truly grateful to the PDP family for their support and faith in me over the years of our struggle, and I pledge to sustain the common ideals that bind us together for the good of our people even as we continue to pursue common causes. Thank you.”