PDP Faces Leadership Crisis with Parallel Candidates

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a leadership crisis as rival factions have emerged in several states, including Kwara, Gombe, and Plateau, leading to the production of parallel gubernatorial candidates for the 2027 elections. In Kwara State, Engr Kale Kawu was announced as the consensus candidate by one faction, while Alhaji Ladi Hassan was declared the candidate by a rival faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

Hassan, a long-time ally of Bukola Saraki, expressed concerns about the party's future in a telephone interview. In Gombe State, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami was declared the sole candidate by the Turaki-led faction, despite opposition from other aspirants who rejected his candidacy.

The mainstream PDP leadership in Gombe described the primary election conducted in Abuja as illegitimate, claiming it was influenced by external forces. The situation has deepened the crisis within the party, raising questions about its ability to present a united front in the upcoming elections.