Barely 24 hours after the Kwankwasiyya faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kano State had distanced itself from participating in the upcoming local council election, another faction of the party declared its intention to partake in the poll.
Recall that on Tuesday, while addressing a press conference, one Danladi Abdulhamid, who claimed to be the PDP caretaker committee chairman in the state, had declared that the party would not participate in the elections, citing lack of integrity and distrust against Governor Abdullahi Gandujeas their reason.
But another PDP faction, led by a former ambassador, Aminu Wali, in a press conference, held in Kano on Wednesday, insisted that the party would participate in the January 16 election.
In the press briefing, led by Muhammaina Lamido who claimed to be the interim chairman of the party in the state, the group stated that the said Abdulhamid did not have the mandate of the party to withdraw its participation in the election.
According to Mr Lamido, the only organ to make decisions, based on section 24 (2b) of the PDP Constitution, is the State Executive Committee through Interim Administrative Committee, led by him.
He also explained that the interim committee had since been dissolved during the time of Rabiu Suleiman-Bichi after its statutory 90 days had elapsed, stressing that preparations were on top gear to participate in the election.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP in Kano did not authorize the said person to make the said statement and the said person does not possess the standing and mandate to make the said statement.
“As matters stand, the only organ of PDP with the power to act under section 24 (2b) of the PDP Constitution, is the State Executive Committee through the Interim Administrative Committee lead by me.
“Preparations for participation in the election are on top gear and the committee shall in due course inform the general public and KANSIEC of its candidates for the election,” he disclosed.
On the allegations raised by Mr Abdulhamid that Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, would not conduct free and fair election, Mr Lamido said the party would rather wait until the elections are over before making their stand known.
He, however, called on the KANSIEC to consider the reduction of the cost of application forms for candidates of the party, noting that subsidizing the cost would provide a level playing ground for participation.
