Kano PDP crisis deepens as faction rejects ward congress

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano has taken an ugly turn again as a faction of the party rejected the outcome of Saturday’s ward congress.

The faction, led by Sadiq Aminu Wali, accused the interim leadership of the party of lopsidedness, insisting the process lacked transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness.

The congress was conducted across the 484 political wards in the 44 local government areas (LGAs) of the state on Saturday to elect the party structure at the ward level.

The State Secretary of the party, Barrister B.L Aliyu, told The Guardian the process of the congress went smoothly and was devoid of any obstruction.

According to him, the congress was conducted in the presence of all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, in a statement issued by Muhaminnah Bako Lamido over the weekend, the faction distanced itself from the results of the ward congresses.

The faction specifically accused former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and former Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo of hijacking the entire structure to the detriment of other stakeholders in the party.

The Wali faction called on the national leadership of the party for urgent intervention to correct the infractions in the election guidelines, to avoid the disintegration of the party in Kano.

“It is with deep concern that we note the deliberate exclusion of key stakeholders and legitimate party members in the build-up to the congresses, as well as several irregularities observed during the exercise,’’ the statement read.

“This process, which has been marred by a lack of internal democracy, runs counter to the principles that the PDP stands for and our commitment to ensuring that all party members are given an equal and fair opportunity to participate.

Sadiq Aminu Wali, leader of the faction, expressed dismay over the procedural failings and violations of the party’s guidelines. “Despite repeated efforts to engage with the relevant party organs to resolve outstanding issues before the congresses, our legitimate concerns were disregarded, resulting in today’s flawed exercise.

“We urge the PDP’s national leadership to swiftly intervene and take necessary steps to address the anomalies witnessed today. This will be crucial in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the party, especially as we approach critical elections in Kano State.

“Our faction remains committed to upholding the principles of democracy, rule of law, and justice, and we call on our supporters to remain calm as we seek redress through appropriate party channels.”

Reacting, the Organising Secretary of the party, Ibrahim Aminu Dan-Iya, dismissed the allegations levelled by the Wali faction, insisting the PDP remains an indivisible structure in Kano.

Dan-Iya claimed the ward congress was conducted freely with the concerted support of all interested structures in the party. He denied the allegations against the Shekarau and Gwarzo structures.