The Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has been thrown into turmoil following the emergence of two separate governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to reports, the faction aligned with former Senate President Bukola Saraki and backed by the camp of Nyesom Wike had previously adopted Kale Kawu Agaka as its consensus governorship candidate.
However, a rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki has produced Ladi Hassan as its own governorship candidate.
Responding to the development, Kwara PDP Secretary, Kayode Abdulrahman, accused external forces of sponsoring Hassan’s emergence in an attempt to destabilize the party.
Abdulrahman stated that Hassan had earlier contested in the PDP governorship primary after purchasing the party’s nomination form but was unsuccessful.
He argued that Hassan’s emergence through what he described as an unrecognized PDP platform not acknowledged by the electoral commission suggested the involvement of individuals outside the party. Despite this, he expressed confidence that such efforts would not succeed.
Speaking on the matter, Hassan confirmed that he emerged as the governorship candidate of the Turaki-led faction, noting that the faction’s primary election was conducted in Abuja, where he secured affirmation as the candidate.
Political observers believe the growing division within the PDP could significantly weaken the party’s prospects in Kwara State ahead of the next governorship election.