The political landscape in Kano State has shifted dramatically ahead of the upcoming general elections as the Peoples Democratic Party officially names Muhammad Sani Abacha, son of the late military head of state, as its new governorship standard-bearer.
The major switch comes after the initial candidate, Muhammad Bello Dalha, voluntarily stepped down from the race. To regularize the ticket, the party’s leadership quickly convened an expanded session of the State Executive Committee in Kano to conduct a formal affirmation and replacement primary.
State party chairman Bello Gambo Bichi explained that the decision was reached following extensive deliberations among critical stakeholders across Kano and the nation’s capital. He noted that when a candidate steps down, the electoral framework mandates a fresh replacement primary to legally substitute the name, clearing the way for Abacha to take over the mantle.
The electoral panel chairman, Abba Abdullahi, who supervised the exercise, officially declared Abacha the winner after confirming he met all necessary regulatory and internal party requirements. Independent National Electoral Commission officials were also on ground to monitor the proceedings.
Beyond the governorship swap, the party used the opportunity to mend fences and resolve long-standing internal crises that have threatened its unity in the region. As part of a comprehensive reconciliation deal, the deputy governorship ticket has now been handed over to the political faction loyal to Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
Consequently, Yusuf Ado Kibiya, a former state commissioner for land and agriculture and a one-time factional chairman, has emerged as the new running mate. Bichi noted that bringing the opposing camps together means the Kano chapter is finally putting its internal wrangling behind it, adding that adjustments were also made to several National and State Assembly tickets to accommodate members across all divides and build a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.
