The ongoing Issues within the Kano State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with notable figures Sadiq Wali and Ibrahim Al-Amin Little teaming up to contest the legitimacy of the party’s newly elected leadership.
This collaboration marks the first significant alliance between Wali and Little, both of whom were former gubernatorial candidates for the party, and highlights their mutual discontent with the party’s current trajectory in the state.
Wali and Little have expressed concerns that the recent elections for party officials lacked democratic integrity and were riddled with procedural flaws, leading them to question the authority of the newly appointed leaders.
At a stakeholders’ meeting attended by representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano, Little articulated their collective resolve to revitalize the PDP, citing a need to address what they called “insufficient leadership.”
Their joint objective is focused on ensuring a successful campaign for the Kano PDP in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The party has been grappling with internal discord since before the 2023 elections, particularly over disagreements regarding gubernatorial candidates. The rivalry between Wali, son of former Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Aminu Wali, and Mohammed Abacha, son of the late General Sani Abacha, has been a significant factor contributing to the party’s lackluster performance in the polls.
This internal problems has led to factional divisions, further undermining the party’s organizational strength in Kano State.
The recent appointment of Yusuf Kibiya as the new chairman of the Kano PDP has failed to alleviate these divisions. Kibiya has introduced a five-point agenda aimed at rehabilitating the party’s image, reinforcing democratic practices, selecting credible candidates, initiating a decade-long development plan, and addressing pressing state issues.
However, Wali and Little remain critical of Kibiya’s leadership, asserting that the processes surrounding the ward and local government congresses were disregarded, thus invalidating the current leadership.
The two leaders have announced their intention to pursue legal action regarding the election of state party officials and have filed a petition with the national party leadership.
In response to the dissent, Kibiya characterized the differing opinions as a typical feature of democratic processes and encouraged those dissatisfied to seek reconciliation.
In a statement to the press, Kibiya remarked, “It is common to encounter complaints after elections. Reconciliation is the next step, and as chairman, I will work to include every faction and level of the party. There is no need for fear; we are committed to fairness.”
He also extended an invitation to all PDP members and residents of Kano to collaborate in rebuilding the party, urging, “We welcome all members, and even those who are not members, to join our movement to forge a brighter future for Kano State.”
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the internal conflict within the PDP looks set to significantly influence the party’s prospects in Kano State.
