Mohammed Abacha, son of ex-military ruler Sani Abacha, has been named as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano.
According to NAN, Bello Gambo-Bichi, chairman of the Kano PDP faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made the announcement on Wednesday during the party’s replacement governorship primary election in Kano.
Gambo-Bichi also announced Alhaji Yusuf Ado-Kibiya, a former PDP state chairman and commissioner, as Abacha’s running mate.
He said the exercise followed the withdrawal of the party’s earlier candidate, Muhammad Dalha, after consultations among stakeholders in Kano and Abuja.
Gambo-Bichi said the replacement process was conducted in line with the Electoral Act and relevant party guidelines.
“Kibiya’s nomination followed reconciliation between the two factions of the PDP in Kano,” he said.
The chairman said the development had strengthened unity within the party, with the reconciliation process also resulting in the replacement of some candidates for the national and state assembly seats.
Gambo-Bichi urged party leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters to unite behind the candidates and work collectively to strengthen the party.
He said representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present during the exercise.
The chairman described the development as a new phase for the party, adding that the PDP “is waxing stronger in Kano”.
Also speaking, Abba Abdullahi, chairman of the gubernatorial replacement primary election panel, said the exercise was conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution, guidelines, relevant regulations and applicable electoral laws.
He added that Abacha’s nomination remains subject to statutory processes and scrutiny by relevant electoral authorities.
The panel chairman congratulated Abacha and called on PDP members, leaders and stakeholders to accord him their support and cooperation as the party’s candidate.
In March, INEC recognised the PDP faction backed by Wike and published the party’s leadership on its website, with Abdulrahman Mohammed listed as the party’s national chairman.