Kwara PDP Suspends Governorship Candidate Amid Factional Tension

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.

On Sunday, the Tanimu Turaki faction of the PDP named Mr Hassan as their governorship candidate. This announcement came shortly after the state chapter of the party, aligned with the Nyesom Wike-led faction, picked Suleiman Kawu for the same position. This choice was made under an agreement supported by former Governor Bukola Saraki.

In a suspension letter dated June 2, the ward chairman, Aliyu Kolawole, and the ward secretary, Taofeek Jimba, mentioned that Mr Hassan acted against the party's constitution and code of conduct.

The letter also said that the ward executive committee had previously sent Mr Hassan a query on May 30. This query highlighted accusations of anti-party activities and asked him to show up before a disciplinary committee within 48 hours.

The ward leadership claimed Mr Hassan received the query but did not attend the meeting, which they said was a sign of guilt.

The letter read, “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 and functions, effective immediately.

This means Mr Hassan cannot join any meetings or activities of the party at ward, local government, state, or national levels during this time.

The committee also warned that not following the suspension rules could lead to more disciplinary actions according to the PDP constitution.

Political watchers say this situation is part of ongoing political shifts within the Kwara PDP after the last governorship primary election.

Mr Hassan had agreed to the consensus that led to the nomination of Mr Kawu. However, he called the suspension “laughable,” asking, “How can you suspend someone that does not belong to your group?”

He added that he would speak to the media at the right time to update Nigerians on the whole situation.