The 2027 governorship bid of the Labour Party (LP) candidate in Nasarawa State, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi Gaza, has received a boost following the defection of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) former youth leader, Hon. ABM Jacob Alebura, and several other members to the opposition party.

Alebura, who resigned from the PDP on September 19, 2026, formally expressed his intention to join the Labour Party on Wednesday and subsequently registered as a member of the party under the Doma Local Government Area structure.

The development came as political parties in the state intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Gaza, who represents Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals and the LP’s governorship candidate in the state.

In his letter of intent to join the LP, Alebura said he was committed to the ideals, values and constitution of the party.

He said he looked forward to participating actively in the activities of the party at the ward level and contributing to building “a stronger, more inclusive, and people-oriented political movement” for the progress of the community and the country.

Alebura had, in his resignation letter from the PDP, cited alleged marginalisation by party leaders and stakeholders, as well as what he described as an unending crisis between him and the chairman of the party in Doma Local Government Area.

His defection was accompanied by the movement of several other PDP members into the Labour Party.

The defectors were received by the Nasarawa State chairman and leadership of the Labour Party in Doma Local Government Area, alongside other party stakeholders.

The latest development is expected to strengthen the LP’s grassroots mobilisation in Doma and provide additional political momentum for Gaza as the parties position themselves for the 2027 governorship contest.

Alebura said his decision to join the Labour Party was intended to enable him contribute to a political movement focused on inclusiveness and the interests of the people.