A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has raised strong objections to what he sees as a manipulated effort to foist a consensus candidate on the party. He argues that this move threatens President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral prospects and weakens the APC’s internal democracy.
Shettima cautioned that sidelining credible contenders through what he terms a “scripted consensus arrangement” could spark internal discord and hand opposition parties a significant advantage in Kaduna Central. In a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, the aspirant asserted his strong standing in the race, backed by substantial grassroots support across the seven local government areas in the district.
The aspirant claimed that the alleged endorsement of former Senator Shehu Sani as a consensus pick is undemocratic and deliberately risks damaging the party’s unity and electoral might in the state. He emphasized that Kaduna Central holds strategic political importance and that imposing a candidate would be a gamble the party cannot afford.
“We categorically reject this so-called consensus arrangement. Kaduna Central will not be sacrificed at the altar of political manipulation and backroom deals,” Shettima declared. He warned that denying party members the chance to choose their candidate through direct primaries undermines inclusivity and fairness within the APC.
Shettima noted that forcing a candidate against the wishes of party faithful could deepen resentment among loyal members and create divisions that benefit opposition parties in the general elections. “There is growing concern that internal forces are trying to weaken the APC. Any move that alienates committed stakeholders could hurt President Tinubu’s standing in Kaduna State,” he added.
He called on the APC national leadership, Governor Uba Sani, and other stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants vying for the Kaduna Central senatorial ticket. Specifically, he demanded direct primaries, insisting that party members should decide who represents the APC. Shettima vowed to challenge any imposition through “every legitimate political and legal means available,” while reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and support for President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s administrations.
He stressed that only free, fair, and credible primaries can preserve party unity, internal democracy, and guarantee victory for the APC in Kaduna Central and beyond.