PDP names Sani Abacha’s son as Kano guber candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named Mohammed Abacha, son of former military Head of State Sani Abacha, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Kano State election.

Bello Gambo-Bichi, chairman of the Kano PDP faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, announced Abacha’s candidacy on Wednesday during the party’s replacement governorship primary in Kano.

The party also announced a former PDP state chairman and commissioner, Alhaji Yusuf Ado-Kibiya, as Abacha’s running mate. Gambo-Bichi said the replacement primary followed the withdrawal of the party’s earlier candidate, Muhammad Dalha, after consultations among stakeholders in Kano and Abuja.

He said the process was conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and relevant PDP guidelines, adding that Kibiya’s nomination was part of efforts to reconcile the two PDP factions in Kano.

“The reconciliation process has strengthened the unity of the party in Kano and has also resulted in the replacement of some candidates for the national and state assembly seats. I urge our leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters to unite behind the candidates and work collectively to strengthen the party,” Gambo-Bichi said.

Also speaking, Abba Abdullahi, chairman of the governorship replacement primary election panel, said the exercise complied with the party’s constitution, guidelines, relevant regulations and applicable electoral laws.

He added that Abacha’s nomination remained subject to statutory procedures and scrutiny by the relevant electoral authorities, while congratulating the candidate and urging PDP members and stakeholders to support his candidacy.

In March, INEC recognised the PDP faction backed by Wike and published its leadership structure on its website, with Abdulrahman Mohammed listed as the party’s national chairman.