New Twist as Kwara PDP Governorship Candidate Suspended Ahead of 2027 Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara state suspended governorship candidate Ladi Hassan on June 2, 2026, for one month over allegations of anti-party activities and gross misconduct. The suspension, announced by the Magaji Ngeri ward executive committee, followed Hassan’s refusal to appear before a disciplinary panel, which the party interpreted as an admission of guilt. The committee, led by ward chairman Aliyu Kolawole and secretary Taofeek Jimba, accused Hassan of violating party rules and warned of further disciplinary action if he defied the suspension. Hassan, endorsed by the Tanimu Turaki faction of the PDP, had been declared the governorship candidate on May 31, 2026, amid a factional dispute. The state PDP, aligned with the Nyesom Wike-led faction, had earlier nominated Suleiman Kawu under a consensus deal reportedly brokered by former Kwara Governor Bukola Saraki. The suspension deepens divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections. The party’s suspension letter, dated June 2, cited Hassan’s failure to respond to a May 30 query demanding his appearance before a seven-member committee within 48 hours. The ward leadership stated that his refusal constituted an admission of guilt under party rules. Hassan dismissed the suspension as invalid, telling reporters it was ‘laughable’ since he did not belong to the faction issuing the order. He promised to address the situation publicly at a later date. The disciplinary action stems from broader factional tensions in Kwara’s PDP, where competing groups have nominated different candidates for the governorship race. The party’s constitution, specifically Sections 57 and 59(1), was invoked to justify the suspension, which bars Hassan from all party activities at ward, local, state, and national levels for one month. The committee reiterated that further penalties could follow if he disregards the ruling.