Kaduna Central: Shettima demands level playing field, faults ‘anointed candidate’ talk
Ambassador Yerima Shettima, Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI), has declared his intention to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat, dismissing speculations about the emergence of an “anointed
- …insists on transparent primaries, warns against imposition
- By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna
Ambassador Yerima Shettima, Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI), has declared his intention to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat, dismissing speculations about the emergence of an “anointed candidate” in the race.
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Shettima, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, described the rumour as sponsored and malicious, warning that it was capable of misleading party faithful and overheating the polity.
He reaffirmed his resolve to remain in the race, urging his supporters to remain calm and focused despite what he termed deliberate attempts to create confusion within the party.
The aspirant expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani to provide a level playing field for all aspirants under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stressed that the rule of law, democratic principles, and the will of the people must be allowed to prevail in the party’s internal processes.
Shettima called for the conduct of credible and transparent primary elections, insisting that stakeholders should be allowed to freely choose candidates with the capacity to deliver.
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He cautioned party leaders and stakeholders against any move that could undermine democracy or erode public confidence in the APC.
According to him, while the party stands a strong chance of victory in future elections, doing the right thing remains critical to sustaining its dominance.
He reiterated his support for President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, calling on Nigerians and party members to rally behind their leadership.
Shettima said his entry into the senatorial race was driven by a desire to provide quality and effective representation for the people of Kaduna Central.
He maintained that he would abide by the outcome of a credible primary conducted in line with the party’s constitution and due process.
The NSCI convener, however, added that if the party opts for consensus, all aspirants must be carried along to arrive at a mutually acceptable decision.
