Kale Kawu defeats Ladi Hassan to clinch Kwara PDP governorship ticket

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

A chieftain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, has emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election after defeating his closest rival, Ladi Hassan, in the party’s primary election.

Kawu secured 98,998 votes in the exercise conducted across the 193 wards in the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, while Ladi Hassan polled 2,125 votes.

The PDP governorship primary was concluded on Sunday in Ilorin amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election in the state.

Speaking shortly after he was declared winner, Kawu called on party members to remain united and committed to the collective goal of reclaiming power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stressed that only a united PDP could provide credible and people-oriented leadership capable of moving Kwara State forward, urging party faithful to close ranks and work together ahead of the governorship election.

Kawu also congratulated party leaders, executives, supporters, and members across the state for their loyalty and commitment to the PDP, promising to run an all-inclusive administration if elected governor in 2027.

The emergence of the PDP candidate came barely two days after the ruling APC elected the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 poll.

Earlier, the Chief Returning Officer for the primary election, Senator Duro Faseyi, announced the results and commended party stakeholders and aspirants for conducting themselves peacefully during the exercise. He also praised former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for sustaining the PDP structure in Kwara State and contributing to democratic development in the country.