The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disclosed the reasons behind its decision to withdraw from last Saturday’s local government election in Kano.

Additionally, the new PDP leadership refuted alleged alignment with the Kwankwasiyya political movement in Kano.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the state Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Ado Kibiya, explained that the decision to stay clear of the council poll stemmed from a lack of credibility in the process.

Hon. Kibiya alleged that the process and conduct of the local government poll lacked democratic credence, adding that participating would amount to a waste of time and resources.

“The democratic process in the last local government election was truncated. It was not a free and fair election, and that’s the main reason we decided to stay clear, so as not to waste our time,” Kibiya added.

Responding to questions about where his allegiance currently lies—given his past role as a Commissioner under the first administration of Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—the new PDP chairman quickly distanced himself from political alignment with Kwankwaso and his political movement.

Hon. Kibiya declared that the former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, who is the leader of the PDP in Kano, remains his political leader in the state, though he acknowledged his previous association with Kwankwaso during his first tenure.

Acknowledging the internal rancour within the PDP in Kano, Hon. Kibiya vowed to unite aggrieved members of the party and foster unity and development within its ranks.

The Chairman highlighted a 10-year development plan that PDP members must adhere to in order to build a prosperous state. He stated that the plan will be a crucial part of the party’s development program, which aspiring candidates must commit to.

He lamented that both the state and federal governments have fallen short in crucial areas such as the economy, education, health, security, and social services.

“In particular, we have witnessed the wanton destruction of well-established economic infrastructures of private investors, driven by petty political sentiments. Public funds have been grossly committed to infrastructure that is not urgently needed,” he stated. “While our educational, health, and agricultural sectors—prime economic movers—have been left in disrepair, many citizens are struggling to make ends meet. Students are deprived of quality education, and our healthcare system is in dire need of reform.”

Kibiya expressed concern that Nigerians are in urgent need of the PDP for positive change to end the era of darkness in the country’s economy, as the failure of those currently in power has hindered national progress.