Kaduna 2027: PDP’s Bawa Promises People-Centred Government

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Usman Shehu Bawa, popularly known as ABG, has pledged to run a people-centred administration that prioritises grassroots needs if elected governor in 2027.

Bawa made the pledge on Friday while addressing PDP supporters and stakeholders during an engagement alongside his running mate, Amos Adamu Gandu, in Kafanchan.

He said his administration would adopt a bottom-up approach to governance, with greater emphasis on accountability, service delivery and the needs of communities across the state.

Bawa also urged political candidates to avoid making campaign promises they would be unable to fulfil after assuming office.

“I challenge candidates to refrain from making promises they will not be able to fulfil when elected,” he said.

The governorship candidate called on residents across Kaduna State to participate in what he described as a collective effort to reposition the state, presenting the PDP as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bawa had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in May 2026 and subsequently unveiled Gandu as his running mate ahead of the 2027 election.

Speaking at the event, Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Chief Edward Percy Masha, said the engagement was organised to provide an opportunity for Bawa and Gandu to interact directly with party members, supporters and other stakeholders.

Masha said the PDP was strengthening its structures ahead of the 2027 elections and would continue to highlight issues it believes require greater attention from the current administration.

The party had earlier formally presented Bawa and Gandu as its governorship ticket and said it planned to run an issue-based campaign ahead of the election.

Masha criticised the APC-led administration over the economic hardship facing residents and alleged that the Kaduna State Government had not fulfilled an earlier commitment concerning the entitlements of some disengaged traditional leaders, district heads and teachers.

The claims were made by the PDP chairman at the political gathering, and no response from the Kaduna State Government to the specific allegations was included in the material available for this report.

Earlier, PDP Zonal Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Danjuma Akuso, expressed confidence in Bawa’s candidacy and his capacity to lead the state.

Also speaking, former Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Hassan Hyat, accused the current administration of excluding some residents from government benefits.

Hyat alleged that some benefits of government were concentrated among supporters of the ruling party, contrasting the situation with what he described as the PDP’s approach to governance when it controlled the state.

He urged residents to support the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, saying the party would pursue more inclusive governance if returned to power.

Former Kaduna State Deputy Governor Nuhu Bajoga also criticised the current administration and called for a change in the leadership of the state.

The engagement attracted PDP leaders, supporters and other stakeholders as the opposition party intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Kaduna State.