2027: Ex-Kaduna North lawmaker clinches PDP governorship ticket

Shehu Usman Bawa, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2027 election in Kaduna State.

Usman secured victory at the party’s governorship primary election held on Monday in Kaduna, defeating fellow aspirant, Haruna Kajuru.

Declaring the result, the returning officer for the exercise, Ibrahim Lawal, announced that Usman polled 124,170 votes, while Kajuru scored 22,010 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party leaders, delegates, stakeholders and supporters across the 23 local government areas of the state for the confidence reposed in him.

He described his emergence as a major moment in Kaduna’s political journey and pledged not to betray the trust placed in him by members of the party.

According to him, the victory belongs not only to him but also to struggling families, unemployed youths, farmers, traders and residents yearning for a more peaceful and prosperous Kaduna State.

The PDP candidate also commended his opponent for participating in the primary, saying healthy competition strengthens democracy and enriches the political process.

He urged party members to close ranks and work together ahead of the 2027 governorship election, insisting that unity would be crucial to the success of the PDP.

Usman lamented the security situation in parts of Kaduna State, noting that banditry, kidnapping and attacks on communities had continued to create fear among residents and negatively affected farming and business activities.

He said insecurity had forced many farmers away from their farmlands, while several businesses had either shut down or struggled to survive.

The former lawmaker promised that if elected governor, his administration would prioritise security through collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilante groups and local communities.

He further pledged to strengthen community policing, improve intelligence gathering and provide necessary support for security agencies operating in the state.

On the economy, Usman promised to create an enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive, while also introducing programmes aimed at empowering youths through vocational training, entrepreneurship and agricultural development.

He said women would also receive attention through empowerment initiatives, improved healthcare access and greater participation in governance.

The PDP flagbearer equally promised to improve education by renovating schools, recruiting qualified teachers and upgrading learning facilities across the state.

He added that healthcare delivery, road construction, water supply, electricity and rural development would form key priorities of his administration if elected in 2027.

Usman assured residents that his government would be anchored on fairness, justice, accountability and inclusiveness, stressing that no tribe, religion or region would be sidelined.

He also pledged to maintain an open-door policy and remain accessible to the people at all times.