May 28, (THEWILL) – Former Minister of FCT, Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero, has announced his withdrawal from the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Kebbi Central Senatorial District.
Aliero in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, cited the differences between him and the State governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, particularly, alleged manipulation of the State’s delegates list for the primary election, as reasons behind his withdrawal.
Bagudu, a two-term governor, who is from the same Senatorial District with Aliero, is also an aspirant, contesting the Kebbi Central Senatorial primary.
THEWILL gathered that the frosty relationship between Aliero and Bagudu was laid bare after APC’s congresses in the state. The lawmaker lamented the imposition of candidates during the congresses and the removal of party members perceived to be loyal to him in the hierarchy of the party’s leadership.
Aliero’s letter, dated 27th May, which copied the party’s Deputy National chairman (North), Vice Chairman (North/West), Kebbi State Chairman, State Zonal Chairman (Kebbi Central), Chairman, Aliero Local Govt and Aliero Ward Chairman, reads: “I write to convey my decision to withdraw my intention to participate in the scheduled Kebbi Central Senatorial District primaries of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
“You will recall how I put out myself for the peace and harmony of
the Party, not just in Kebbi, but in many other States. In particular, I
worked assiduously with my friends and colleagues to assist you in unifying the Party in many States across the country.
“You are, therefore, in a position to vouch that I will not withdraw my participation in the primary or any activity of the Party if I do not have a cogent or compelling reason to do so.
“The scheduled primaries in the State would be shambolic and
patently fraudulent because, the delegate lists comprise of persons handpicked by the State governor to do his bidding.
“You are aware that the amended constitution of our Party prescribes that delegates for indirect primaries are to De democratically elected for the election of Party candidate.
“It is therefore baffling and alarming for the Governor to get away with the fraudulent act of composing the list of delegates for all the Primaries in the State.
“I have endured the provocation and antics of the Governor in the
State beyond measure. I must, in that sense, express my appreciation for your interventions and efforts at containing the excesses of the Governor. That you failed, should tell you about what I have been coping with.
“Moving on, I must inform you that I have for a long time ceased to be a Lone Ranger, who couid take independent decisions. I am a rallying point and a leader who must at all times be subject to, and ready to defend the interest of those who have reposed their trust in me.
“My withdrawal will enable me to confer with my people and
political associates on the next line of action.
“Please, remain assured of my highest and esteem regards.”
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