The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano has affirmed Muhammad Abacha as its candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Mr Muhammad is the son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

The PDP state chairman, Bello Gambo-Bichi, announced this on Wednesday during the party’s replacement governorship primary election in Kano.

Mr Gambo-Bichi also announced Yusuf Ado-Kibiya, a former PDP state chairman and commissioner, as Mr Abacha’s running mate.

He said the exercise followed the withdrawal of the party’s earlier candidate, Muhammad Dalha, after consultations among stakeholders in Kano and Abuja.

Mr Gambo-Bichi said the replacement process was conducted in line with the Electoral Act and relevant party guidelines.

“Kibiya’s nomination followed reconciliation between the two factions of the PDP in Kano,” he said.

The chairman said the development had strengthened unity within the party.

According to him, the reconciliation process also resulted in the replacement of some candidates for the National and State Assemblies.

Mr Gambo-Bichi urged party leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters to unite behind the candidates and work collectively to strengthen the party.

He said representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present during the exercise.

The chairman described the development as a new phase for the party, adding that the PDP “is waxing stronger in Kano”.

Also speaking, Abba Abdullahi, chairman of the gubernatorial replacement primary election Panel, formally declared Mr Abacha as the PDP’s nominated candidate.

Mr Abdullahi said the replacement primary was conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution, guidelines, relevant regulations and applicable electoral laws.

He added that Abacha’s nomination remained subject to statutory processes and scrutiny by the relevant electoral authorities.

The panel chairman congratulated Abacha and called on PDP members, leaders and stakeholders to accord him their support and cooperation as the party’s candidate.

(NAN)