The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has ushered in a new leadership following its state congress held at the Kaduna Trade and Investment Centre on Saturday.
Edward Masha, a former Commissioner of Water Resources, emerged as the new chairman after polling 2,123 votes to defeat his closest rival, Comrade Danjuma Bello Sarki, who garnered 250 votes.
The election, which took place under strict security, was overseen by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), national PDP officers, and members of the media.
Other newly elected officials include Saidu Adamu, who took the position of Secretary, and Godiya Ayuba Lolo, who was voted in as the State Woman Leader. Lolo secured 2,102 votes, defeating her opponent Angel Amadu.
In a similar contest, Mariya Dogo, a former member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, emerged as the State Publicity Secretary, with 1,359 votes against Nuhu Dogo Makama’s 525.
Additionally, Bronco clinched the position of Assistant Treasurer with 1,544 votes, and Isman Ahmad Garba Garkuwa was elected Vice Chairman Central after polling 2,299 votes.
Other positions were filled by familiar faces, including Aliyu Bello, the immediate past Youth Leader, who returned as Financial Secretary, and Barrister Khalid Khalid, who assumed the role of Legal Adviser.
A total of 2,268 delegates were accredited for the congress, underscoring the significance of the event for the PDP in Kaduna.
In his acceptance speech, Masha promised to lead with inclusivity and an open-door policy.
He vowed to reconcile party members and create a harmonious atmosphere where all members feel involved in the party’s activities.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Chairman, Felix Hassan-Hyat, called on party members to rally behind the new leadership.
He emphasized the need for unity to reclaim the party’s former status and build on past electoral successes.
Hyat, a former Minister of Aviation, highlighted the party’s achievements in the 2023 elections, where the PDP won all three senatorial seats, 10 House of Representatives seats, and secured 13 members in the State House of Assembly.
He urged the new leadership to shift focus towards the upcoming Local Government elections, slated for October 19, as the next step in their journey toward reclaiming victory.
With a renewed leadership structure, the PDP in Kaduna State now looks ahead to maintaining its political momentum in the region.
