KANO (North-West, Nigeria) — A coalition of civil society groups and student bodies have warned against sinister moves to scuttle the ambition of All Progressive Congress, APC stalwart, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura to contest for the Kano Central Senatorial district seat in the 2027 general elections.
The group who spoke through their leader, Inyass Muhammad Auwal at a press conference in Kano, said unconfirmed information at their disposal revealed some sinister moves to replace the name of Zaura with Senator Ibrahim Shekarau as the party’s flag bearer.
The group who kicked against the move, said to bypass Zaura, a loyalist who has invested so much in favor of a newcomer, who had recently defected into the party, would send a damaging signal that the party does not value consistency or sacrifice.
They however, appealed that Zaura be given the automatic right to re-contest the Kano Central Senatorial seat.
According to them, “The leadership of the Coalition for Better Kano, Concern Kano Citizens, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kano Axis, the National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS), and the collective body of Northern Student Stakeholders have observed with keen interest the unfolding political developments in our dear state.
“As the conscience of the youth and a major stakeholder in the Kano project, we feel compelled to address the circulating rumors regarding the potential allocation of the Kano Central Senatorial Ticket to Senator Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, following his recent return to the party.
“While we hold Malam Ibrahim Shekarau in high esteem as a father and elder statesman, the principles of political justice demand that loyalty must be rewarded.
“We wish to remind the party stakeholders of two key individuals who stood firm, sacrificed their resources, and worked tirelessly for the success of the party when it mattered most:
“H.E. Murtala Sule Garo: Who contested as Deputy Governor and, in a well-deserved move for equity, is set to be sworn in as Deputy Governor tomorrow morning.
“His Excellency, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura (AA Zaura): Who contested for the Kano Central Senatorial seat in the last election with immense dedication and remained a pillar of support for the party despite the outcome.
“With Murtala Sule Garo now settled in the executive arm, it is only natural, just, and fair that AA Zaura be given the automatic right to re-contest the Kano Central Senatorial seat. To bypass a loyalist who has invested so much in favor of a newcomer—regardless of their status—would send a damaging signal that the party does not value consistency or sacrifice.
“We have not yet heard an official statement from the Governor or the party leadership, and we hope the rumors remain just that—rumors. However, we are making this call early to ensure the right path is taken:
“To the Party Stakeholders: Do not allow for a decision that history will judge as an act of ingratitude. Let the party be seen as a platform that pays for loyalty, not one that displaces its foot soldiers for political convenience.
“To Malam Ibrahim Shekarau: We call upon you, as a father of the state, to play a paternal role. We urge you not to allow your name or influence to be used in a manner that creates a sense of injustice against those who kept the party’s light burning in your absence.
“The students and the youth of Kano are watching. Our loyalty to the progress of this state is tied to the fairness of its leaders. We await the official decision of the party, hoping it reflects the equity and justice that Kano is known for,” they however stated.
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