The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has elected Hon. Adamu Issa Bawa as its new state chairman, a development that has deepened zoning debates ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Bawa, a former commissioner and 2023 senatorial candidate from Kaiama Local Government in Kwara North, replaced Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, the former Speaker from Ifelodun in Kwara South, who had led the party since 2021.
The emergence of Bawa is being interpreted as a strategic signal that the PDP may tilt its governorship ticket elsewhere despite calls for a Kwara North ticket.
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Kwara North has never produced a governor since the return of democracy in 1999. The district has long agitated for power rotation as a matter of equity.
Party observers say his election may have recalibrated the race in the struggle for 2027.
Despite the Kwara North agitation, several influential politicians from Kwara Central have openly indicated interest in the governorship ticket.
This has triggered disquiet among stakeholders in the North.
Bawa was declared winner of the state congress by a national officer of the party, Jacob Mark, in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The congress drew delegates and stakeholders from across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Other officers also emerged at the congress
Chief Atinuke Macharty was elected deputy state chairman, Comrade Adio Odunjo became state youth leader, while AbdulRahman Abdullahi Kayode retained his position as state secretary.
Comrade Adewara Olushola was returned as publicity secretary and Bashir Ashura emerged assistant publicity secretary.
Former Senate President and national leader of the party, Dr. Bukola Saraki, charged the new executives to mobilise support for the 2027 elections.
He said PDP is poised to provide purposeful leadership stressing that people could not afford to “reward failure a second time”.
Saraki, who lamented the situation of insecurity in the state, said that killings, kidnappings and community displacements had become widespread, particularly in Kwara North and South senatorial districts.
“In the last 12 months alone, about 70 people have been reportedly killed, over 40 kidnapped, and more than 25 communities deserted due to attacks. Under the present government, Kwara is fast becoming a one-town state as people flee their homes to seek refuge in Ilorin”.
Also speaking, former PDP national chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, recalled that the state enjoyed peace under past PDP administrations.
He lamented the current situation where insecurity has disrupted livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
The party’s gubernatorial candidate in the last election, Shuaib Yaman, said despite losing the last election, the party has waxed stronger.
“The PDP has shown that it has the capacity to organize a peaceful and harmonious Congress devoid of rancour despite the challenges of losing election.
Outgoing chairman, Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, said the successful conduct of the congresses at ward, local government and state levels showed that the PDP remained united and disciplined.
In his acceptance speech, Bawa pledged to run an inclusive and service-driven administration, stressing that his leadership would prepare the PDP to reclaim power in 2027.
“I appreciate our community in Kwara for choosing a new path for PDP. One of service, advocacy and hope for all. We have a vision, a purpose, and an honour to serve you,” he said.
