2027 elections: PDP guber candidate sets agenda, vows to ‘restore’ Kaduna

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kaduna State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Rt. Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, popularly known as ABG, has outlined his priorities for the state, with a pledge to pursue what he described as the “restoration” of Kaduna if elected.

Bawa, who emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate, said his campaign would focus on issues including security, economic development, employment, youth empowerment and accountability. Blueprint reports

Speaking in an interview on Monday, the PDP candidate said the 2027 election would provide the people of Kaduna State an opportunity to assess the direction of governance and make their choice based on the competing programmes and records presented by political parties and candidates.

His proposed agenda is being promoted under the slogan, “Restore Kaduna,” which he said reflects his vision for the state and his intention to provide a different approach to governance.

Security takes centre stage

Bawa identified security as one of the major issues that would feature prominently in his campaign, particularly against the backdrop of the security challenges that have affected some communities in Kaduna State.

Insecurity has over the years impacted farming, education, businesses and other economic activities in parts of the state, with rural communities among those affected by incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The PDP candidate said any government seeking to accelerate development must give priority to the protection of lives and property.

He is expected to make security a major component of his campaign, with emphasis on measures that could improve the safety of residents, support economic activities and strengthen cooperation among government, security agencies and communities.

Focus on economy, jobs

Bawa also spoke about the economic challenges facing residents, saying there was a need for government to create an environment capable of supporting businesses, attracting investment and generating employment opportunities.

He particularly highlighted the need to expand opportunities for young people through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and job creation.

According to him, Kaduna’s large youth population represents an opportunity that can contribute significantly to the economic development of the state if properly supported.

His campaign is therefore expected to place considerable emphasis on programmes aimed at equipping young people with relevant skills and connecting them with employment and business opportunities.

Accountability, responsive governance

Another area identified by the PDP candidate is accountability in public administration.

Bawa said government should remain responsive to the needs of citizens and ensure that public resources are deployed towards projects and programmes that have direct impact on the people.

He is expected to make governance and accountability part of the broader “Restore Kaduna” message as the campaign progresses.

The candidate’s position comes as political parties and aspirants gradually begin to mobilise their structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

PDP prepares for statewide campaign

For the PDP, one of the major tasks ahead will be to consolidate its structures across the 23 local government areas of the state and present a unified campaign to the electorate.

The party will also have to communicate its policy proposals effectively and convince voters of the viability of the alternative it is offering.

Bawa’s political experience and grassroots engagements are expected to form part of the assets the PDP will deploy as it seeks to strengthen its presence across the state.

However, the success of the campaign will depend largely on how effectively the party communicates its message to voters and how the electorate responds to the issues presented by the various political parties.

APC prepares to defend mandate

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), under Governor Uba Sani, is expected to defend its mandate and present the record of the administration to voters as the political season progresses.

The governor’s administration has continued to pursue programmes and projects across different sectors of the state, with issues of infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, economic development and social intervention expected to feature prominently in the political discourse ahead of the election.

The 2027 contest will therefore provide an opportunity for the various political parties to present their programmes and for voters to assess the competing claims and records of the candidates.

For the incumbent, the focus will likely be on presenting the achievements of the administration and outlining its plans for the next phase of governance, while opposition candidates such as Bawa will seek to persuade voters that their proposed alternatives offer a better direction.

Election promises take shape

With the election still ahead, the emerging political debate is expected to become more issue-based as parties and candidates unveil their programmes.

Bawa’s “Restore Kaduna” agenda has now provided an early indication of the issues around which his campaign intends to mobilise voters.

His ability to translate the slogan into specific and measurable policy proposals will be closely watched as the campaign progresses.

At the same time, the APC and other political parties are expected to present their own records, programmes and priorities to the electorate.

Ultimately, the 2027 governorship election will provide Kaduna voters with the opportunity to evaluate the candidates, their programmes and their respective visions for the state before deciding who should receive their mandate.