The Capacity Movement has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against imposing a candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that only a transparent and democratic primary process would be acceptable to party members.
The group issued the warning while rejecting the alleged endorsement of former senator Shehu Sani as a “consensus candidate” for the Kaduna Central Senate race.
In a statement signed by its President, Shehu Sani Sado, the movement described the purported endorsement as undemocratic and lacking broad consultation with stakeholders and aspirants within the party.
According to the statement, any attempt to impose a candidate could trigger discontent and political tension within the APC in Kaduna State.
“The APC must understand that fielding any unpopular or imposed candidate in Kaduna Central could have grave political consequences for the party in future elections,” the group stated.
The movement questioned how a credible consensus arrangement could emerge without the participation of other aspirants, including Yerima Shettima and Yusuf Zailani.
“We make bold to ask: how can any credible consensus emerge without broad consultations and the inclusion of other notable aspirants and stakeholders in the race?” the statement added.
The group also raised concerns over alleged links between the endorsement exercise and interests within the Kaduna State Government despite previous assurances that no aspirant would be favoured.
“It is also disturbing that despite repeated assurances by Governor Uba Sani, through the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, that there would be no anointed candidate in Kaduna State, an official campaign office allegedly linked to government interests is now being associated with this controversial endorsement exercise,” the statement said.
The Capacity Movement maintained that democracy within the APC could only thrive through openness, credibility and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
The group therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, the national leadership of the APC and the Kaduna State chapter of the party to guarantee free, fair and transparent primaries.
It specifically demanded direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest.
“We wish to state clearly, unequivocally and without ambiguity that we are demanding direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest,” the statement noted.
The movement further warned that any process perceived to deny aspirants a level playing field could be challenged through legal and political means.
“Anything short of a direct and credible democratic process will be resisted through every legitimate political and legal means available,” it added.
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