Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has intensified preparations for the 2027 governorship election with the inauguration of a nine-member campaign committee and the unveiling of Mr. Amos Adamu Gandu as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa (ABG).
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Kaduna, Bawa said the committee had been mandated to develop a comprehensive campaign blueprint that would guide the party’s activities across the 23 local government areas of the state.
He said the committee would identify committed party members at ward and local government levels and recommend strategies to strengthen the PDP’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 poll.
According to the governorship candidate, the party had drawn lessons from previous elections and was determined to avoid past mistakes by putting in place a well-coordinated campaign structure.
“We have set up a team that will block all leakages and ensure that the mistakes of previous elections do not happen again. The committee has been mandated to produce a workable blueprint for our campaign and identify committed party members who will drive the process at the grassroots,” he said.
Bawa said insecurity would remain at the centre of the PDP’s campaign, stressing that restoring peace across Kaduna State was a priority for the party if elected into office.
He condemned the recent attacks in Kauru Local Government Area and other parts of the state, describing the continued killings and abductions of innocent citizens as unacceptable.
The PDP candidate urged the Kaduna State Government to convene political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to jointly fashion out lasting solutions to the security challenges confronting the state.
“This is beyond politics. It requires all stakeholders to come together and contribute ideas that will bring lasting peace to Kaduna State,” he said, while also calling on state and local governments to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.
Earlier, the PDP State Chairman, Edward Marshal, said members of the committee were selected based on their integrity, experience and commitment to the party’s ideals.
He directed the committee to consult widely with stakeholders across the state and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks, saying the campaign framework must reflect the peculiar needs of communities across Kaduna.
Marshal also said a PDP administration would reform the civil service to improve efficiency and reposition traditional institutions to play more active roles in addressing insecurity and promoting community peace.
He expressed concern over the plight of residents affected by insecurity, noting that many victims of kidnappings in Kachia Local Government Area were still being held captive, and called for stronger collaboration among governments and stakeholders to address the situation.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman and former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Simon Yakubu, thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged that they would deliver a credible campaign framework within the stipulated timeframe.
He added that, Prof. Umar Lawal would serve as the committee’s secretary.
