Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Minority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Leader of the Young Progressives Party in Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Dewan K. Gabriel, has dismissed reports alleging that he was denied an Independent National Electoral Commission nomination form ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, Dewan described the claim as false, baseless, and the handiwork of political opponents determined to mislead the public.
According to the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Young Progressives Party was among the first political parties to conduct peaceful, transparent, and credible primary elections, after which all duly nominated candidates, including himself, were issued and submitted their INEC nomination forms without any challenges. Dewan said it was illogical for anyone to suggest that, as the leader of the YPP in Plateau State and a serving lawmaker, he could be denied an INEC nomination form without any legal or procedural basis.
He alleged that the rumour was being circulated by an individual identified as Stephen, whom he claimed was acting on behalf of his political opponents in an attempt to discredit his candidacy. To counter the allegation, Dewan stated that he had made a copy of his INEC nomination form available for public verification, insisting that he remains the duly nominated YPP candidate.
The lawmaker urged the people of Pankshin North to disregard what he described as sponsored propaganda and remain focused on issues of credible leadership, effective representation, and sustainable development as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Dewan, who represents the Pankshin North constituency, has been a prominent figure in Plateau State politics. He previously served as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, a position he held as the sole YPP member in the Assembly during a period of political crisis following a Supreme Court judgment that sacked 16 PDP lawmakers. His leadership during that turbulent period cemented his reputation as a resilient political figure.
In May 2026, Dewan announced his decision to step down from contesting for the Senate seat of the Pankshin, Kanam, and Kanke federal constituency to instead seek re-election into the State House of Assembly in the 2027 general elections. The decision, he said, followed consultations and a commitment to unity and effective representation at the grassroots level. His return to the State Assembly race has positioned him as a key figure in the YPP's preparations for the 2027 elections.
The Young Progressives Party, which has continued to strengthen its presence in Plateau State, has maintained that its candidates were duly nominated through a transparent process. Dewan's public denial of the rumour and his release of the nomination form are seen as efforts to put to rest any speculation that could undermine his campaign.
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