2027: PDP unveils running mate, sets up committee to strengthen Kaduna campaign

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Kaduna State by unveiling Amos Adamu Gandu as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Usman Shehu Bawa, and inaugurating a nine-member committee to coordinate the party's campaign strategy.

The committee, chaired by former House of Representatives member Simon Yakubu, was inaugurated in Kaduna on Tuesday with a mandate to develop a campaign blueprint and strengthen the party's structures across the state's 23 local government areas.

Addressing party members, Bawa said the PDP had learnt from the shortcomings of previous elections and was determined to avoid repeating them in 2027.

According to him, the committee will identify committed party loyalists at ward and local government levels, recommend strategies for effective mobilisation and ensure the party is fully prepared ahead of the polls.

"We have set up a team that will block all leakages and ensure that the mistakes made in the previous election do not happen again. The committee has been asked to produce a blueprint that will guide our campaign and help us build stronger structures across the state," he said.

Bawa also used the occasion to outline what he described as the party's priorities if elected, saying tackling insecurity would be at the top of the agenda.

He lamented the worsening security situation in Kaduna, particularly the recent attacks in Kauru Local Government Area, and called for greater collaboration among government, political parties, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

"This is not a partisan issue. We must all come together to find lasting solutions because without peace, there can be no meaningful development," he said.

The PDP candidate also condemned the continued attacks on rural communities and urged the state and local governments to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

Speaking at the event, the PDP State Chairman, Edward Marshal, said committee members were chosen based on their experience and track records.

He directed them to consult widely with party stakeholders across the state and submit a comprehensive report within two weeks.

"The committee is expected to come up with a campaign template that reflects the peculiarities of different areas of Kaduna State. We believe you have the capacity to deliver on this assignment," he said.

Marshal also said a PDP administration would reform the civil service to improve efficiency and revive the role of traditional institutions in addressing security challenges.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnappings and killings in parts of Kaduna, noting that several victims abducted from Kachia Local Government Area were still being held by their captors.

According to him, the security challenge requires collective action rather than political blame.

In his acceptance speech, the committee chairman, Simon Yakubu, thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged to deliver on the assignment.

He called on party members to unite behind the committee's work, expressing confidence that the PDP would be well-positioned for the 2027 governorship election once the campaign framework is completed.