A former Kaduna Central Senatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yerima Shettima, has formally withdrawn from the race amid threats by party stakeholders who have given the state government 24 hours to withdraw consensus arrangements ahead of the primary elections.
Stakeholders from Kaduna South Senatorial Zone and other contestants in the Federal House of Representatives primaries protested against the consensus arrangement, urging Governor Uba Sani to immediately distance himself from what they described as an “undemocratic” arrangement that could plunge the party into crisis in the state.
Shettima, at a press conference on Sunday, withdrew from the APC Senatorial primaries and pledged full support for candidates of the party ahead of the general election. He said his decision followed wide consultations and careful reflection. According to him, the move was made in respect of the decision of the APC regarding the Kaduna Central senatorial contest.
“After wide consultations and deep reflection, I have decided to respect the decision of our great party regarding the senatorial contest,” he said.
The former aspirant said his decision should not be interpreted as fear or weakness, but as a demonstration of his commitment to party unity, discipline and collective progress. “This decision is not borne out of fear, weakness, or cowardice, but rather from my unwavering commitment to party unity, discipline, and collective progress,” he stated.
Shettima reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the party at all levels ahead of the forthcoming elections. “As a loyal and committed party man, I remain steadfast in my support for the APC and reaffirm my readiness to continue contributing my quota towards the victory of our great party,” he added.
He also called on his supporters and associates to remain peaceful and rally behind all candidates that emerge under the platform of the APC. “The unity and success of the APC must remain our collective priority,” he said.
The former aspirant further advocated reconciliation among aggrieved members of the party to strengthen cohesion and ensure lasting peace within the APC. Shettima expressed appreciation to members of the Capacity Movement led by Sani Shehu Sado, as well as members of his campaign council, for their support throughout the political process.
He also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. “I hereby formally announce my withdrawal from the Kaduna Central Senatorial race in good spirit and align accordingly with party decisions,” Shettima declared.
Meanwhile, at a press conference by aggrieved APC stakeholders from Kaduna South and Northern Zones, led by Senator Danjuma La’ah, the aggrieved members gave the state government 24 hours to withdraw the consensus arrangement before the Senatorial primaries, or risk crisis in the party. Senator La’ah said, “we the undersigned House of Representatives Aspirants, Kaduna State and Senatorial Aspirants in Kaduna Senatorial Zones are writing to formally lodge a protest regarding the recent process used to select candidates in Kaduna State Senatorial Districts”, pointing out that “the selection process breached the APC Constitution and the official guidelines for candidate nominations.”
