By AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee for the APC in Zamfara State, Baba Galadima Uba, has officially affirmed Governor Dauda Lawal as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming election.
Speaking during the affirmation which was conducted at Madawaki Ward in Gusau under the supervision of officials from the APC national headquarters, INEC, Baba Uba said the committee was in the State to conduct a transparent and credible process for the emergence of the party’s flag bearer.
He noted that, Governor Lawal emerged as the sole aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket.
“We are here to conduct the primary election for the next governor of Zamfara State. As we all know, His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal, is the only candidate vying for this exalted office,” he stated.
The chairman then sought the affirmation of party delegates and members present at the venue, asking whether they endorsed Governor Lawal to fly the APC flag in the upcoming gubernatorial election three times.
“Do you affirm His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal, as the candidate of the APC for Zamfara State? Do you affirm him to continue piloting the affairs of the state for another four years?” he asked.
The crowd responded with overwhelming approval, signaling unanimous support for the governor’s candidacy.
Following the voice vote, Baba Galadima Uba declared Governor Lawal as the duly affirmed candidate of the APC, citing the powers vested in him as chairman of the primary election committee.
Bala Galadima Uba emphasized that, the exercise was conducted in line with party guidelines and democratic principles, described the process as peaceful and successful.
Speaking with after the affirmation, Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State, following his affirmation at Madawaki Ward.
Governor Lawal described the large turnout and warm reception by residents as a clear demonstration of the strong connection between his administration and the people.
“You can see the wonderful reception from the community. This shows that we are still with the people, and that is the essence of democracy and good governance,” he said.
“You live here; you know what Zamfara was and what it is now. You be the judge in terms of education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and many other areas,” he added.
On the significance of the affirmation, the Governor expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, described the moment as a symbol of unity within the political landscape of the state.
“Today is an affirmation. We thank Almighty Allah for this opportunity and for bringing the people of Zamfara together. There is no more faction in APC or any other party that I can see. This is a very good sign,” he said.
He expressed confidence that, the future elections in the State would be peaceful and successful, adding that victory would be achieved through collective effort and divine grace.
Governor Lawal also assured supporters that his administration would not relent in its efforts to improve the welfare of citizens.
“The only assurance I can give is that we will continue doing the good work. In fact, this support will encourage us to do more for the people,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about party unity ahead of the general elections, the governor emphasized that, maintaining cohesion within the APC is a shared responsibility.
“It is a collective responsibility. One man cannot do it alone. We will continue to bring everyone on board to ensure there is no friction, and I will lead that process,” he assured.
He further called on supporters to remain law-abiding and uphold peaceful coexistence across the state.
“My message is for everyone to remain law-abiding. We will continue to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence among our people,” the governor said.
The exercise was conducted in the presence of a team from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Dr Mahmud Isah, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Zamfara.
Thousands of the APC members had converged at the headquarters of Madawaki ward displaying their APC membership cards for the affirmation.
