Massive Protest Erupts Over APC Senate Ticket Battle in Kano: “This Is Our Turn”
- Thousands of supporters of Abdulkarim Abdulsalam Zaura staged a rally to reject rumours that the APC may deny him the Kano Central Senatorial ticket
- Protesters vowed resistance and warned that they would mobilise against the APC in the general election if the party imposes another candidate
- Findings show that former governor Ibrahim Shekarau submitted his nomination form to run for the same position under the APC at the national level
A large crowd of supporters of Honourable Abdulkarim Abdulsalam Zaura has flooded the streets of Kano, staging a massive rally to reject rumours that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might deny him the party’s ticket for the Kano Central Senatorial seat.
Source: Twitter
A coalition of A.A. Zaura support groups organised the rally on Friday, May 9, drawing a large crowd of followers who urged party leaders to reconsider their position and endorse him as the party’s candidate.
The Director of A.A. Zaura’s support groups, Jafar Abdullah, led the members of the organisation in a procession that moved from the “Filin Sukuwa” grounds through major streets of the city.
Addressing the crowd during the rally, Jafar declared that they came out to show the world that the people of Kano Central stand firmly behind A.A. Zaura and want him to represent them in the Senate.
“Abdulkarim Abdullahi Zaura deserves this opportunity,” Jafar said, pointing to Zaura’s long-standing service to the people and his support for the needy, despite never holding a government position.
Shekarau’s entry fuels Kano APC political tension
Legit.ng correspondent in Kano spoke with some of the protesters who braved the sun to make their voices heard.
“We will not accept any attempt to impose another candidate on us. Zaura has touched more lives than those who have held office for years. If the APC denies him the ticket, we will mobilise against the party in the general election,” said Malam Bello Idris, a 43-year-old trader.
Another protester, 30-year-old Hamid Yusuf, a student and member of one of the support groups, accused some party leaders of trying to hijack the process.
“Why would they give the ticket to someone else when they know we have already chosen Zaura? We are watching, and we will resist any injustice,” he said.
Source: Original
Similarly, Aminu Saleh, a youth leader in the group, explained that it is simply their time.
“We have nothing against Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, but his time has passed. This is our turn. The party must respect the voice of the grassroots or risk losing the seat entirely.”
Findings by Legit.ng show that the protest intensifies the already heated contest for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, especially after former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau submitted his nomination form to contest the same seat under the APC at the national level.
Man protests APC over alleged abandonment
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a man staged a protest at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, claiming he was abandoned after supporting the party’s 2023 campaign. He, however, demanded compensation for his sacrifices.
The protester, holding a placard reading “Reward me or kill me,” said he sold his house to fund campaign activities and now struggles to pay his children’s school fees.
Source: Legit.ng
Ololade Olatimehin (Editorial Assistant) Olatimehin Ololade is a seasoned communications expert with over 7 years of experience, skilled in content creation, team leadership, and strategic communications, with a proven track record of success in driving engagement and growth. Spearheaded editorial operations, earning two promotions within 2 years (Giantability Media Network). Currently an Editorial Assistant at Legit.ng, covering experts' exclusive comments. Contact me at Olatimehin.ololade@corp.legit.ng
Usman Bello Balarabe (Kano Correspondent) Kano's regional correspondent, Usman Bello Balarabe is a journalist, media strategist, and university lecturer in the state. He worked as an investigative journalist with Daily Trust Newspaper Nigeria. His career is passionately geared towards stimulating social justice, exposing corruption, ensuring good governance and accountability. In his over 7 years of journalism practice, he has authored investigations and numerous special and beat reports at the intersection of environment, health, education, agriculture, public spending, security, and politics.
