Shehu Usman Bawa, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State for the 2027 general elections. The primary election, held on Monday in Kaduna, saw Bawa defeat his opponent, Haruna Kajuru, by a significant margin.
Professor Ibrahim Lawal, the returning officer, announced the results, stating that Bawa secured 124,170 votes to clinch the party's ticket, while Kajuru garnered 22,010 votes. In his acceptance speech, Bawa described his emergence as a defining moment in the political history of Kaduna State, pledging to unite party members and reposition the state if elected governor in 2027.
Bawa expressed gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, women, youths, grassroots mobilisers, and supporters across the 23 local government areas for their confidence in his candidacy. He remarked, "This victory is not for Hon. Usman Bawa ABG alone. It is a victory for every struggling family seeking hope, every unemployed youth seeking opportunity, every farmer praying for security, every trader longing for economic stability, and every citizen dreaming of a peaceful and prosperous Kaduna State."
The PDP flagbearer extended an olive branch to his opponent and supporters, emphasizing that the contest was over and the party must now focus on winning the governorship election. He noted that democracy thrives where there is healthy competition and stressed that unity and sacrifice would be required to secure victory for the PDP in the state.
Bawa lamented the security challenges confronting Kaduna State, particularly banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on communities, which have created fear among residents and negatively affected economic activities. He stated that farmers are afraid to cultivate their lands and businesses are shutting down due to insecurity. "This painful reality cannot continue," he declared.
The PDP candidate pledged that if elected governor, his administration would prioritize peace and security through collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilante groups, and local communities. He also promised to strengthen community policing initiatives, improve intelligence gathering, and provide logistical support to security agencies.
