Division in Kano PDP as faction rejects ward congresses
The internal dynamics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State have recently become contentious due to a split within the party following the ward congresses held on a Saturday.
This division is primarily characterized by two factions that are at odds over the legitimacy and conduct of these congresses.
The faction led by Sadiq Aminu Wali, who was the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, has publicly rejected the results of the ward congresses. This faction claims that the process was marred by a lack of transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness—principles that are fundamental to democratic practices within political parties. The Wali faction has accused another group led by former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and former Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo of hijacking the party structure for their own benefit, thereby excluding key stakeholders from participating in the electoral process.
In a statement issued by Muhaminnah Bako Lamido, spokesperson for Wali’s faction, several serious allegations were made regarding how the congresses were conducted. The statement highlighted concerns about deliberate exclusion of legitimate party members and irregularities observed during the exercise. It emphasized that these procedural failings contradict the principles upheld by the PDP and undermine its commitment to internal democracy.
Wali expressed dismay over what he termed “procedural failings” and noted that despite attempts to engage with relevant party organs to address these issues prior to the congresses, their concerns were disregarded. This disregard has led to calls for urgent intervention from the national leadership of PDP to rectify what they see as significant anomalies in how the congress was managed.
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“It is with deep concern that we note the deliberate exclusion of key stakeholders and legitimate party members in the build-up to the congresses, as well as several irregularities observed during the exercise,” the statement said.
In response to these allegations, Ibrahim Aminu Dan-Iya, Organising Secretary of PDP in Kano, dismissed claims made by Wali’s faction. He asserted that the ward congress was conducted smoothly with support from all interested structures within the party and denied any wrongdoing on part of Shekarau or Gwarzo.
This back-and-forth between factions illustrates a deepening rift within Kano’s PDP chapter, which could have implications for its unity and effectiveness as it approaches critical upcoming elections. The Wali faction remains committed to upholding democratic principles and seeks redress through appropriate channels while urging supporters to remain calm amid this turmoil.
The situation reflects broader challenges faced by political parties in maintaining unity amidst internal disagreements over leadership and procedural integrity. As both factions continue to assert their positions, it remains crucial for national leadership intervention to prevent further fragmentation within Kano’s PDP.
