A fresh leadership crisis has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State following the emergence of two governorship candidates from rival factions of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The faction loyal to former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and aligned with the bloc associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier adopted Engineer Kale Kawu Agaka as its governorship candidate through a consensus arrangement.
However, the faction led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has announced Alhaji Ladi Hassan as its governorship candidate, deepening the internal division within the party.
Reacting to the development, Kwara PDP Secretary, Kayode Abdulrahman, dismissed Hassan’s emergence, alleging that the factional candidate was being sponsored by individuals outside the party to create instability within the PDP.
According to Abdulrahman, Hassan had previously obtained the party’s nomination form and participated in the PDP governorship primary, where he was unsuccessful.
“For him to have gone to emerge as a governorship candidate in the PDP faction that is not recognised by INEC speaks volumes. He must have been sponsored by people outside our party. But I assure you they cannot succeed,” Abdulrahman stated.
Meanwhile, Hassan confirmed his emergence as the governorship candidate of the Turaki-led faction, maintaining that his candidacy 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,” Hassan said.
The development highlights the growing internal challenges facing the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 elections, with political observers warning that unresolved factional disputes could affect the party’s chances in Kwara State.
