Kano State PDP Faction Loyal to Wike Elects New Executive Committee
The Nyesom Wike-aligned faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State has formally consolidated its control following the election of a new state executive committee. The 39-member committee, led by Dr. Bello Gambo as chairman, was selected through a consensus process overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a National Electoral Committee.
The election, which concluded recently, filled positions across the state’s 44 local government areas and 848 wards, as well as the state secretariat. It was conducted under a mandate from the PDP’s National Working Committee, which had previously dissolved the state’s caretaker committee. Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Taura, Chairman of the Electoral Committee and former Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, reported the exercise was peaceful and free of rancour. “We have concluded everything peaceful without rancour,” he stated during the presentation of the new executive.
The move signifies a strengthening of the Kano State PDP structure under the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a prominent figure in the national PDP hierarchy. The new leadership’s formation comes amidst ongoing efforts to reconcile internal factions and attract high-profile members.
Ambassador Bello Ibrahim Aboki, the National Youth Leader of the PDP, attended the ceremony and addressed the party’s unity. He noted that the rival faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki had agreed to “cement relationships” for the party’s well-being. Ambassador Aboki revealed that negotiations are continuing to persuade former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Aminu Wali to formally align with the new executive. “Hundreds of their supporters are trooping to us daily,” he said, while acknowledging the principals themselves had not yet committed.
He emphasized the PDP’s enduring national relevance, stating, “It is the party Nigerians are familiar with… a true patriotic member would not consider defecting.” He cited Muhammad Sani Abacha as a key leader supporting the party in Kano.
Dr. Bello Gambo, the newly elected State Chairman, pledged an inclusive leadership style. He identified reconciliation and building “a new viable front” as immediate priorities, framing the effort as essential for the party’s goal of regaining power in the 2027 general elections.
The development solidifies a specific faction’s grip on the PDP in a critical northern state and sets the stage for the party’s reorganization strategy ahead of the next electoral cycle. The success of the unity efforts and the potential defection of senior politicians like Shekarau will be closely watched as indicators of the party’s cohesion in Kano.
