Kaduna PDP Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa
2027 governorship election in Kaduna State is beginning to take shape as a major contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the PDP candidate, Rt. Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, popularly known as ABG, vowing to wrest power from Governor Uba Sani.
Bawa, who emerged as the PDP governorship candidate, is seeking to build his campaign around the message of “Restore Kaduna”, promising what he describes as a new direction in the governance of the state.
The candidate who made it known in an interview on Monday, identified insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, youth empowerment and accountability as some of the major issues that would form the basis of his campaign as he seeks to convince voters ahead of the election.
ABG has maintained that the 2027 election should provide Kaduna residents with an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration and decide whether the state requires a change in leadership.
Security is expected to be a major issue in the election, particularly in communities that have continued to experience threats from kidnappers and other criminal elements. The insecurity has affected farming, education, businesses and the movement of residents in some parts of the state.
Bawa has therefore made the protection of lives and property a major component of his campaign, arguing that no meaningful development can take place where citizens remain uncertain about their safety and livelihoods.
The PDP candidate has also focused on the economic difficulties facing residents, saying government must do more to cushion the effects of hardship on families and businesses while creating an environment that encourages investment and employment.
According to him, the large population of young people in Kaduna should be treated as an economic opportunity rather than a challenge. He has consequently advocated greater investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, job creation and other programmes capable of providing sustainable livelihoods for youths.
His supporters believe Bawa’s experience in politics and public service will strengthen his ability to challenge the incumbent. They have also pointed to his grassroots engagements and contacts across the state as assets that could help the PDP rebuild its political base.
However, the task before the PDP candidate is formidable. Apart from challenging an incumbent governor, the opposition party must consolidate its structures across the 23 local government areas, unite its members and convince voters that it has a credible programme for governing the state.
For ABG, the central task will be to turn his “Restore Kaduna” message into a compelling political alternative that resonates with voters across the state.
He will have to convince the electorate that his proposed approach can deliver greater security, economic opportunities and responsive governance.
With the political activities ahead of the 2027 election expected to intensify, the battle between ABG and Uba Sani is likely to dominate the governorship contest in Kaduna. The outcome will ultimately depend on which candidate succeeds in convincing voters that his vision offers the better path for the state.
