The Kano State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into a confusion as the factional gubernatorial candidates claimed to have been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mohammed Abacha of Sagagi-led faction and Sadiq Wali of Gwarzo-led faction claimed to have received the governorship nomination forms from INEC in Kano.
Kano State chapter of the PDP has been embroiled in legal tussle since the massive defection that hit the party following the exit of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The national headquarters of the party had dissolved the Kano State Executive Council (Exco) of the party, citing that the officials under the chairmanship of Shehu Wada Sagagi were loyal to Kwankwaso.
On their part, the Sagagi-led Exco denied the allegation and claimed their position in court.
Federal High Courts in Kano and Abuja have reinstated the Sagagi-led faction as the rightful leaders of the party in Kano.
The other faction loyal to Amb. Aminu Wali and North West Vice Chairman, Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, who have the backing of the national headquarters, insisted that they are the legitimate leadership of the PDP in Kano.
READ ALSO: Kano PDP tussle: Court clears Sagagi’s delegates for primaries
It would be recalled that Sagagi-led faction produced Mohammed Abacha as its winner of the gubernatorial primary election, while Gwarzo-led faction announced Sadiq Wali as the winner of the PDP primaries for the 2023 general election.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, told journalists that INEC does not recognise candidates.
He said political parties have the responsibility of submitting their candidates to the electoral body.
“The recognition of a candidate for any election is the responsibility of the party and after the conduct of primaries, the party is then expected to forward to the commission the party’s candidates and their running mates,” Sheu said.
He added that INEC had done its part by observing the primaries, noting that political parties have a chance of submitting their presidential and governorship candidates with their running mates on or before June 17, 2022.
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