The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Shehu Usman Bawa, popularly known as ABG, has taken his campaign engagement to Southern Kaduna, where he met with party leaders, supporters and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Bawa spoke in Kafanchan while addressing members of the party from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, also known as Zone 3. His running mate, Hon. Amos Adamu Gandu, was also present at the meeting, which focused on strengthening the party’s structure and improving communication with its members across the zone.
Bawa, who emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in May after defeating Haruna Kajuru at the party’s primary, called on political office seekers to be careful about making promises they may not be able to fulfil after assuming office. He said accountability, transparency and responsibility should remain central to public leadership. His emergence at the primary was confirmed after he secured 124,170 votes against Kajuru’s 22,010.
Bawa Promises Grassroots Focus
The former Kaduna North federal lawmaker said that, if elected, his administration would adopt a bottom to top approach to governance, with greater attention given to the needs of communities at the grassroots.
According to him, government should not be concentrated around major cities and official offices while communities struggle with challenges that directly affect their daily lives. He said his proposed approach would give citizens a stronger role in determining the priorities of government.
Bawa also appealed to residents across Kaduna State to support the PDP in the 2027 election, describing the contest as an opportunity for voters to decide the direction of the state through the ballot.
His campaign has promoted the P.E.O.P.L.E Agenda, which includes proposals covering human capital development, education, healthcare, participatory governance and other areas. The campaign describes the proposed framework as a government produced by the people, conducted with the people and delivered for the people.
PDP Moves to Strengthen Zone 3
PDP State Chairman, Chief Edward Percy Masha, said the Kafanchan meeting was designed to give Bawa and his running mate an opportunity to engage directly with party members and stakeholders in Southern Kaduna.
Masha urged members to maintain unity and strengthen cooperation among party leaders, candidates, former aspirants and grassroots structures as preparations for the 2027 election continue.
He said the party was working to improve its organisation and mobilisation across Kaduna State as it prepares to challenge the APC for control of the state government.
The PDP has continued to emphasise internal coordination as part of its preparations for the election. Earlier in September, Bawa also met with the party’s candidates in Kaduna and urged them to work together as the party prepares to take its campaign to the state’s 23 local government areas.
Masha Raises Concerns Over Government Policies
During the meeting, Masha also criticised the APC led administration in Kaduna State, alleging that residents were facing increasing hardship and accusing the government of failing to fulfil some promises.
Among the issues he raised was an alleged commitment made before the 2023 election concerning the payment of entitlements to disengaged traditional leaders, district heads and teachers.
The claims represent the position of the PDP and were not independently established in the material available for the report.
Masha has previously said the party intends to run an issue based campaign ahead of the 2027 election. The PDP formally presented Bawa and Gandu as its governorship ticket at an expanded State Executive Committee meeting held in September.
Southern Kaduna Leaders Speak
PDP Zonal Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Danjuma Akuso, expressed support for Bawa’s candidacy and urged party members across Southern Kaduna to remain committed to the party.
The immediate past PDP chairman in Kaduna State, Hassan Hyat, also criticised aspects of the current administration, alleging that some citizens had been excluded from government programmes and benefits.
Former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Nuhu Bajoga, similarly used the gathering to criticise the present administration and called on PDP supporters to remain active as the election approaches.
The remarks formed part of the PDP’s broader campaign argument for a change in leadership, while the APC remains in control of the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani.
Campaign Takes Grassroots Direction
For Bawa, the Kafanchan engagement provided another platform to present his campaign around grassroots participation and community involvement.
His campaign agenda proposes interventions in areas including primary healthcare, public education, digital infrastructure and youth employment. These remain campaign proposals and would depend on the outcome of the election and subsequent implementation if the candidate is elected.
Bawa has also been holding consultations with party stakeholders and candidates as the PDP prepares for the formal campaign period. His recent engagements have focused on building coordination within the party and strengthening its presence across Kaduna’s local government areas.
The Kafanchan meeting further highlighted the importance of Southern Kaduna to the PDP’s organisational preparations as the 2027 governorship contest draws closer.
With the election still ahead, political parties and their candidates are expected to intensify their engagements across Kaduna State, present their policy proposals and seek support from voters as the campaign season progresses.
The meeting brought together PDP leaders, supporters and stakeholders from communities across Southern Kaduna, reinforcing the party’s ongoing efforts to organise its structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
