Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has resolved the lingering dispute over the Kano Central Senatorial ticket, paving  way for former governor of the state,  Senator Ibrahim Shekarau to emerge as the consensus candidate.

This is  contained  in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi  Dawakin-Tofa in Kano on Sunday.

He said that the breakthrough followed a high-level reconciliation meeting convened by Mr Yusuf in Abuja, where all aspirants and major stakeholders agreed to close ranks in the interest of unity, progress and the political future of Kano State.

He said, “Following Yusuf’s ’s intervention, eight aspirants voluntarily withdrew their ambitions and threw their weight behind Shekarau as the consensus flagbearer for Kano Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Kano Central, regarded as Nigeria’s largest senatorial district, comprises 15 local government areas with an estimated population of over 10 million people.”

The consensus arrangement is seen as a major political milestone with far-reaching implications for the state and the nation’s democratic process.

Mr Yusuf commended the aspirants for placing the collective interest of the people above personal ambition, describing their decision as a bold demonstration of maturity, sacrifice and commitment to strengthening democratic values.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue promoting dialogue, inclusion and consensus-building as vital tools for political stability and sustainable development.

The governor expressed confidence that the new understanding reached by all parties would further consolidate unity and strengthen Kano’s political influence at the national level.

Speaking earlier, the spokesperson for the aspirants, Usman Bala, said their decision to withdraw followed Mr Yusuf’s intervention and the respect they have for former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.

Mr Bala noted that all eight aspirants unanimously agreed to the governor’s peace initiative, describing it as a wise and timely intervention that united all contending interests toward a common goal.

Responding, Mr Shekarau lauded the governor’s effort in facilitating lasting peace among the aspirants and expressed appreciation to the contenders for agreeing to support him and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. 

(NAN)