By Usman Usman Garba
The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced the emergence of Dr. Ghali Tijjani Mustapha as the consensus candidate for the Gaya/Ajingi/Albasu Federal Constituency following the withdrawal of the main contender, Honourable Abdullahi Mahmud, from the race.
The Governor made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting held to put an end to speculations that the constituency’s candidacy would not be resolved through consensus.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad.
According to the statement, reconciliation meetings initially began in Abuja with the aim of reaching an agreement on a consensus candidate. However, Honourable Abdullahi Mahmud requested time to consult with stakeholders before finalising his position.
At the meeting held at the Government House, stakeholders from the three local government areas unanimously agreed that the incumbent member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Ghali Tijjani Mustapha, should emerge as the consensus candidate.
“We do not want to go into primaries, which is why we have been negotiating to arrive at a consensus candidate,” Governor Yusuf said.
He added: “I thank Almighty Allah for granting us success in presenting consensus candidates across the state. This is a great achievement.”
Commenting on the Governor’s efforts, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, described the process as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time a Governor of Kano State had been directly involved in meetings aimed at producing consensus candidates across the state.
He commended the Governor and his team for their commitment to ensuring unity within the party.
Speaking after his emergence, Dr. Ghali Tijjani Mustapha commended Honourable Abdullahi Mahmud for withdrawing from the contest in the interest of unity.
He pledged to carry everyone along and remain open to constructive criticism whenever necessary.
In his remarks, Honourable Abdullahi Mahmud said he withdrew from the race after wide consultations with stakeholders in order to pave the way for a more prosperous constituency and a united Kano State.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the APC in Kano State, Honourable Haruna Umar Doguwa, applauded the Governor’s efforts in ensuring a smooth consensus arrangeme
