A former member of the House of Representatives who represented Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Shehu Usman Bawa, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, in the coming 2027 general elections.

During the primary election,  held on Monday in Kaduna, Bawa defeat fellow aspirant, Haruna Kajuru, by a wide margin.

Announcing the result, the returning officer, Professor Ibrahim Lawal, said Bawa polled 124,170 votes to clinch the party’s ticket, while Kajuru secured 22,010 votes.

Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech shortly after the declaration of the results, Bawa described his emergence as “a defining moment” in the political history of Kaduna State, pledging to unite party members and reposition the state if elected governor in 2027.

He thanked party leaders, stakeholders, women, youths, grassroots mobilisers and supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state for their confidence in his candidacy.

He remarked, “this victory is not for Hon. Usman Bawa ABG alone. It is a victory for every struggling family seeking hope, every unemployed youth seeking opportunity, every farmer praying for security, every trader longing for economic stability, and every citizen dreaming of a peaceful and prosperous Kaduna State”.

The PDP flagbearer also extended an olive branch to his opponent and supporters, stressing that the contest was over and that the party must now focus on winning the governorship election.

He said democracy thrives where there is healthy competition, adding that unity and sacrifice would be required to secure victory for the PDP in the state.

However, Bawa who lamented over the security challenges confronting Kaduna State, particularly banditry, kidnapping and attacks on communities, said that the situation had created fear among residents and negatively affected economic activities.

According to him, farmers are now afraid to cultivate their lands, while businesses are shutting down as a result of insecurity.

“This painful reality cannot continue,” he declared.

The PDP candidate pledged that if elected governor, of the State, his administration would prioritise peace and security through collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilante groups and local communities.

He also pledged to strengthen community policing initiatives, improve intelligence gathering and provide logistical support to security agencies.