Shehu Usman Bawa, known as ABG, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, has assured that the party will reclaim power in the state in the 2027 election. Bawa made this statement while speaking with journalists at his campaign office in Kaduna. He emphasized that the PDP is engaging communities and stakeholders across the state to persuade voters to support the party in the forthcoming election.
Bawa, a former member of the House of Representatives, stated that the PDP is seeking a change of government because the current administration has not adequately aligned government projects with the needs of communities. He argued that public resources should be directed towards projects identified by communities as their most pressing needs, rather than projects determined without adequate consultation.
The PDP candidate promised to adopt a "bottom-to-top approach" to governance if elected, with communities playing a greater role in determining government priorities. He noted that a government may decide to construct several kilometers of road in a constituency when residents are more urgently in need of potable water, healthcare facilities, or other basic infrastructure.
On insecurity, Bawa said his administration would adopt a strategy aimed at ensuring that residents can farm, travel, and conduct their businesses without fear of kidnapping and other attacks. He emphasized the need for a more proactive approach to dealing with criminal elements, adding that security agencies and government should not wait for attacks to occur before responding.
Bawa dismissed the argument by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that there is no strong opposition in Kaduna State, asking why the ruling party would be concerned if there was no opposition. He expressed confidence that the party would build on its existing structure across the state's 23 local government areas ahead of the 2027 election.
The PDP candidate stated that the party's campaign would not depend solely on rallies, billboards, or other conventional campaign activities, stressing that direct engagement with voters remained important. He also said the PDP would be guided by its manifesto if elected, emphasizing that political parties should be held accountable for the promises they make during campaigns.
Bawa maintained that many of the supporters who voted for PDP candidates in the previous election remained with the party despite subsequent political realignments. He expressed confidence that the party would get more votes in the 2027 election, saying, "We have our party. The structure is still intact, and that is the same structure we're using for 2027."
Key points
- The PDP governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Shehu Usman Bawa, has vowed that the party will win the 2027 election and return to power.
- Bawa promised to adopt a "bottom-to-top approach" to governance, with communities playing a greater role in determining government priorities.
- The PDP candidate emphasized the need for a more proactive approach to dealing with criminal elements to address insecurity in the state.
