Kwara PDP crisis deepens as rival factions produce two governorship candidates

A fresh crisis has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State following the emergence of two factional governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

The development has further exposed the growing divisions within the party, with rival factions laying claim to the authentic governorship ticket.

 

The faction loyal to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, which is reportedly aligned with allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had earlier announced Engineer Kale Kawu Agaka as its consensus governorship candidate.

 

However, another faction led by Mohammed Taminu Turaki has produced Alhaji Ladi Hassan as its governorship flag bearer.

 

Reacting to the development, Kwara PDP Secretary, Kayode Abdulrahman, dismissed Hassan’s emergence, describing it as the handiwork of individuals bent on destabilising the party.

 

According to him, Hassan had previously purchased the PDP nomination form and participated in the party’s governorship primary election but was unsuccessful.

 

“For him to have gone to emerge as a governorship candidate in the fake PDP that is not recognised by INEC speaks volumes. He must have been sponsored by people outside our party. But I assure you they can’t succeed,” Abdulrahman said.

 

Hassan, however, confirmed his emergence as the governorship candidate of the Turaki-led faction, saying he was affirmed during the faction’s primary election held in Abuja.

 

“Our primary took place in Abuja and I emerged through affirmation. That was what happened,” he said.

 

The emergence of parallel candidates has heightened concerns among party members and political observers, who fear the crisis could weaken the PDP’s chances of presenting a united challenge in the 2027 governorship election.

 

Stakeholders have continued to call for reconciliation between the warring camps, but both factions appear determined to maintain their positions.

 

Attention is now expected to shift to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and, potentially, the courts to determine which faction and candidate will be recognised as the authentic PDP governorship ticket holder in Kwara State.