Kashim Musa-Tumsah, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Yobe State, said he rejected an automatic governorship ticket offered to him by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Mr Musa-Tumsah announced the rejection of the ticket at a news conference in Damaturu on Friday, and affirmed his loyalty to the APC.

The state chapter of the SDP recently announced that it had reserved a governorship election ticket for Mr Musa-Tumsah if he defected from the APC and joined the SDP.

Alhaji Abba Bature, state SDP Chairman, noted that Musa-Tumsah’ s knowledge, uprightness and experience met the party’s requirements for a candidate who would “ emancipate the state from squalor.”

The aspirant said other political parties had also offered him their tickets, but insisted that his intention was to contest the governorship election under the APC.

“ I have a lot of invitations from other political parties, too, though they have done it in secret. The SDP is only brave enough to air its view.

“But I have not given it a thought yet. My intention is to contest under APC; this is what I intend to do, and I want to see it to the end,” Mr Musa-Tumsah said.

He expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to conduct free and fair primary elections.

He said, “ I have not seen anything otherwise. Everything points towards free and fair primaries.

“Disregard all the rumours that you have been hearing. So far, the party has not come out with the type of primaries that will be held.

“So there is no sign that indicates that there will not be free and fair primaries.”

Speaking over the crowd that welcomed him to Damaturu from Kano, the aspirant said the desire for a change was responsible for the popularity he was enjoying.

Mr Musa-Tumsah promised the people good governance and responsible leadership if given the mandate to serve.

“Good things are coming by the special grace of Allah. Just be steadfast, together we shall work for the development of Yobe,” he said.

(NAN)