Shehu Usman Bawa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, has expressed confidence that the party will return to power in the state in 2027. Bawa, popularly known as ABG, made this statement while discussing his plans for the state and the opposition party's preparations ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He emphasized that the PDP is engaging stakeholders across the state to explain why voters should demand a change of government.
According to Bawa, the ruling party has failed to prioritize projects according to the needs of communities. He believes that public funds should be deployed to projects that directly address the priorities identified by residents. Bawa stated that if elected governor, his administration would adopt a "bottom-to-top approach" to development, including consultations with communities before deciding which projects to execute.
On security, Bawa said his administration would pursue a different strategy to the approaches adopted by successive governments. He argued that residents should be able to farm, travel, and conduct their businesses without fear of kidnapping or attacks. Bawa emphasized that the state needed a strategy that would go beyond responding to attacks after they occurred.
Bawa also alleged that opposition parties had faced difficulties in displaying campaign billboards in some parts of the state. He claimed that some billboard operators asked prospective clients which political party they belonged to before accepting advertisements. Bawa maintained that the PDP's campaign would focus on reaching voters rather than relying solely on rallies and campaign billboards.
The PDP candidate also expressed confidence that voters in Kaduna were seeking a change in government, while urging opposition supporters to remain focused ahead of the election. He said the PDP, if elected, would take responsibility for promises contained in its manifesto. Bawa added that his campaign would continue engaging communities across Kaduna State as the party prepares for the 2027 election.
Bawa dismissed claims from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that there was no strong opposition in Kaduna State. He asked, "If there's no opposition, why are they worried?" Bawa also mentioned that by February, everybody would find out if they have an opposition or not. He expressed confidence that the PDP would get more votes in 2027.
The PDP candidate further stated that the party's grassroots structure remained intact despite the political changes. He argued that many of the supporters who backed PDP candidates in the previous election remained with the party. Bawa said the party was relying on that structure as it prepares for 2027.
Key points
- PDP governorship candidate Shehu Usman Bawa is confident that the party will reclaim Kaduna State in 2027.
- Bawa promises a new approach to security, infrastructure, and governance if elected governor.
- The PDP candidate emphasizes the need for a "bottom-to-top approach" to development, including consultations with communities before deciding which projects to execute.
