Kano PDP faction seeks dissolution of state executive over ‘cross-carpeting tendencies’

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano has asked the national body of the party to dissolve the state executive.

This was contained in a communique issued by Yusuf Danbatta, a former commissioner for lands and survey under the administration of Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor, after a meeting of the faction.

The faction said the decision was linked to Kwankwaso’s recent launch of The National Movement (TNM), a political organisation, as well as reports claiming that the former governor may join the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Kwankwaso has, however, not officially announced that he has left the PDP.

In the communique issued on Tuesday, the faction alleged that certain members of the party may defect ahead of the 2023 elections, and as such affect the PDP’s chances of fielding candidates in the state.

“The game plan is to deny PDP the opportunity of fielding any candidate in the 2023 elections. By maintaining the party’s leadership hoisted by Senator Kwankwaso, the NWC is leaving millions of party supporters and sympathisers in limbo,” the communique reads.

“Time is of essence since selling of nomination forms to prospective candidates for various positions closes on 1st April, 2022. The meeting expresses fear that if urgent action is not taken, PDP will end up without candidates, thereby clearing the field for NNPP.

“The meeting also addressed the issue of unity, cohesion, solidarity and inclusiveness to ensure that everyone is carried along in the new leadership of the party that will emerge.

“NWC should immediately and unequivocally dissolve the Kano state PDP executive and a caretaker committee be appointed to handle the affairs of the party through electioneering period.

“A level playing ground should be created to allow free and fair contest for nominations to all elective positions to which party members may aspire.”

The faction also urged the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP to “consider extending the period of purchasing and submission of nomination forms for Kano state by at least two weeks”.