The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State is currently embroiled in a significant internal dispute following recent ward congresses, leading to a pronounced split within the party.
This discord is primarily defined by two opposing factions contending over the validity and management of the congresses. One faction, spearheaded by Sadiq Aminu Wali, who was the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 elections, has openly rejected the outcomes of the congresses, citing serious concerns.
Wali’s faction has alleged that the congress process lacked transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness—core tenets of democratic principles within political entities. They assert that the other faction, led by former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and former Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, has manipulated the party framework for personal gain, effectively sidelining crucial stakeholders from the electoral process.
In a statement issued by Muhaminnah Bako Lamido, the spokesperson for Wali’s faction, several grave accusations were detailed regarding the conduct of the congresses. The statement raised alarms about the intentional exclusion of valid party members and various irregularities that were noted during the proceedings.
Wali expressed his disappointment over what he described as “procedural failings,” highlighting that despite efforts to engage with relevant party bodies to address these concerns prior to the congresses, their grievances were ignored.
This neglect has sparked demands for immediate action from the PDP’s national leadership to rectify what has been described as serious discrepancies in the conduct of the congresses. “It is with deep concern that we note the deliberate exclusion of key stakeholders and legitimate party members leading up to the congresses, along with numerous irregularities observed in the process,” the statement lamented.
In response, Ibrahim Aminu Dan-Iya, the organizing secretary of the PDP in Kano, refuted the claims made by Wali’s faction, asserting that the ward congress was executed smoothly with the backing of all involved party structures and denying any misconduct attributed to Shekarau or Gwarzo.
This ongoing exchange between the factions underscores a deepening schism within the Kano PDP, which could jeopardize the party’s unity and effectiveness as it approaches critical elections.
Dan-Iya emphasized that the Wali faction remains dedicated to upholding democratic values and is seeking resolution through the appropriate channels while urging supporters to maintain composure amid the unrest.
The situation illustrates the broader challenges political parties face in sustaining unity during internal conflicts over leadership and procedural integrity. As both factions continue to assert their claims, national leadership intervention is vital to prevent further disintegration within Kano’s PDP.
