The Coalition of Students Unions in Kano has rejected the alleged plan to replace Senatorial aspirant Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura with another candidate during the ongoing consensus screening of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The coalition expressed concern over what it called a suspicious move by enemies of progress within the APC and vowed to resist any attempt to substitute their preferred candidate with former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau for the Kano Central senatorial ticket.
Groups Involved in the Protest
The aggrieved youths, under the banners of Concern Kano Citizens, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kano Axis, the National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS), and the Northern Student Stakeholders, made their position known during a press conference in Kano on Monday evening.
Leader's Statement
Addressing journalists, the leader of the coalition, Inyass Muhammad Auwal, stated that the student movement had closely observed the political developments and the consensus arrangement of the APC. He noted that the coalition was compelled to speak out against unfiltered information circulating among some APC members, which suggested that Shekarau would be given the Kano Central Senatorial ticket. Auwal insisted that such a move would betray Zaura's dedication and loyalty to the party.
No Official Confirmation
Auwal categorically asserted that no official statement had been released by the party or the government house. However, he urged the party leadership to resist any unscrupulous characters orchestrating such intentions. He said, “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.”
Call for Fairness
Auwal added, “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. History and fairness should guide the party’s leadership to ensure stability and respect for party structures. 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.”
Appeal for Calm
The convener further declared, “We have not yet heard an official statement from the Governor or the party leadership, and we hope the rumors remain just rumors. However, we are making this call early to ensure the right path is taken.” He urged supporters of Zaura to remain calm and resist any attempt that could frustrate their patience, and called on the party to manifest equity and be seen as a platform that rewards loyalty, not one that displaces its foot soldiers for political convenience.
Message to Shekarau
Auwal also addressed Shekarau directly: “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.”
