The political atmosphere in Plateau State gained fresh momentum on Friday as Hon. Jude Eli Dakur formally declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Plateau State in 2027 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dakur made the declaration before the leadership of the APC in Kerang Ward, his immediate ward, as well as the Mangu Local Government Executive Committee and members of the State Executive Council. His announcement was met with overwhelming support from stakeholders, party leaders, and enthusiastic supporters who commended his courage and readiness to serve.

A former Commissioner of Education and Commissioner for Mineral Development in the state, Dakur is regarded as an experienced administrator with the skills to drive growth and development.

Speaking at the event, Dakur reaffirmed his passion for the progress of Plateau State and pledged to bring vision, integrity, and competence into governance if elected governor.

Grassroots mobilisers and various organisations present pledged their commitment to the “Faith Project” movement, promising to spread the message of transformation and unity across communities in the state.

The declaration has set the stage for what supporters describe as a new wave of political momentum for the APC in Plateau State as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that betrayal is a common feature of Nigerian politics, recalling his experience during the 2015 general elections.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday at the 70th birthday celebration of Mike Oghiadomhe, former Edo deputy governor, in Benin, the state capital.

“Politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals. I witnessed a lot of betrayal during the 2015 election,” Jonathan said.

He noted that many politicians lack consistency, adding that few can be trusted.

“You will find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and say the same thing in the afternoon and in the evening,” he said.

“They will tell you something this minute, and in the next hour, they will say another. But, I am quite pleased to associate with Oghiadomhe.”

The former president praised Oghiadomhe as a dependable ally, describing him as someone who would “take a bullet” on his behalf.

“For me, he is somebody you can take his words to the bank. Most politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank,” Jonathan added.

Oghiadomhe, who served as Edo deputy governor between 1999 and 2007, was Jonathan’s chief of staff from 2010 to 2014.

The Kaduna State Police Command has invited former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and six leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, and disturbance of public peace.

In a letter signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, the police directed that El-Rufai and the party leaders report to the State CID in Kaduna on September 8, 2025.

Those listed for questioning alongside the former governor include Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (popularly known as 30), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (alias Mikiya).

The invitation, titled “Investigation Activities: Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, Mischief and Causing Grievous Hurt,” followed a petition received by the police alleging misconduct by the named individuals.

Police authorities said the move was part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order in Kaduna State, though they did not provide further details on the allegations.