Kwara PDP Suspends Governorship Candidate Amid Factional Dispute

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Magaji Ngeri Ward, Ilorin, West Local Government Area of Kwara State has suspended Ladi Hassan. He is one of the two men nominated as the party's governorship candidate.

The ward executive committee accused Mr Hassan of anti-party activities and misconduct.

Mr Hassan was named as the governorship candidate on Sunday by the Tanimu Turaki faction of the PDP. This announcement came just days after the state chapter of the party, which supports the Nyesom Wike-led faction, chose Suleiman Kawu for the same role. This choice was part of a consensus arrangement put together by former Governor Bukola Saraki.

In a suspension letter dated June 2, signed by the ward chairman, Aliyu Kolawole, and the ward secretary and chairman of the ward disciplinary committee, Taofeek Jimba, the party accused Mr Hassan of actions against the party’s constitution.

The letter explained that the ward executive committee had earlier sent a query on May 30, listing the allegations against him. They told him to appear before a seven-member disciplinary committee within 48 hours.

The ward leadership reported that Mr Hassan received the letter but did not respond to the invitation. They said this meant he admitted to the charges.

The letter stated, "As stated in the said letter, you were directed to appear before a seven-man committee set up by the Ward Executive Committee within 48 hours of receipt. Your failure to comply constitutes an admission of guilt of anti-party activities, acts of indiscipline, and gross misconduct."

Citing Sections 57 and 59(1) of the party’s constitution, the committee announced a one-month suspension from all party activities. This suspension takes effect immediately.

During this suspension, Mr Hassan cannot take part in meetings, programs, or activities of the party at any level. The committee also warned that not following the suspension rules could lead to more disciplinary actions according to the PDP constitution.

Political observers see this situation as part of ongoing political changes in the Kwara PDP after the last governorship primary election.

Mr Hassan had reportedly agreed to the consensus arrangement among aspirants, which resulted in Mr Kawu being chosen.

When reached for comment, Mr Hassan dismissed the suspension as amusing. He said, "How can you suspend someone that does not belong to your group?"

He added that he would speak to the media about the situation at the right time.