L-R: The State Coordinator, Muhammad Bello Yakubu, a governorship aspirant of the APC and former Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna and Coordinator, Southern Zone, Barr. Ibraheem Adika Atukpa, during the press conference by the aspirant on Nasarawa State primaries at his Campaign Office in Keffi today.
Former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Nasarawa State, Engr. Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, has declared that his political ambition remains alive despite his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the party’s governorship primary election.
Haruna made the declaration while addressing journalists at his campaign office in Keffi, Nasarawa State, after the primary, which he alleged was fraught with irregularities and manipulation.
The former head of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure said he remained committed to the development of Nasarawa State and would continue consultations with stakeholders on the next political direction.
“I wish to make it categorically clear that our political aspiration remains alive and our commitment to the progress and future of Nasarawa State remains unwavering,” he said.
“This journey has never been about personal ambition; it has always been about service, development, inclusiveness and creating better opportunities for the people of our dear state.”
Haruna thanked his supporters, coordinators, youth groups, women associations and community leaders across the state for standing by him throughout the primary election process.
“I also wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to the good people of Nasarawa State, particularly my supporters, political associates, coordinators, youth groups, women groups, community leaders and party faithful across the state who stood firmly with us throughout this journey,” he said.
“Your encouragement, sacrifices, prayers and unwavering confidence in our shared vision for Nasarawa State remain deeply appreciated and will never be taken for granted.”
While condemning the conduct of the governorship primary, Haruna urged his followers to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of causing unrest in the state.
“At this critical moment, I urge all our supporters and well-wishers across Nasarawa State to remain calm, peaceful, law-abiding and steadfast to allow this injustice to be corrected,” he appealed.
“Politics should never become a source of violence, hatred or division among our people.”
The APC chieftain disclosed that consultations had already commenced across the state and beyond to determine the next line of action.
According to him, discussions are ongoing with party stakeholders, elders, political associates and supporters.
“We have commenced broad consultations with our supporters, stakeholders, political associates, elders, youth groups, women groups, community leaders and well-wishers across the state and beyond,” he stated.
“These consultations will enable us to carefully assess the current political situation and determine the most appropriate and responsible next line of action in the overall interest of our supporters and the people of Nasarawa State.”
Haruna assured his supporters that the outcome of the consultations would be communicated in due course.
“At the conclusion of these consultations, we shall formally communicate our position and future direction to the public,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the National Secretariat of the party for the conduct of the primary even as he accused officials of the state government of hijacking the process.
He said: “I am satisfied with the concrete and efficient arrangements that the national body has organized. We witnessed the arrival of the committee to conduct the election in Nasarawa State.
“They efficiently and transparently displayed all that is involved in the process, and our representatives witnessed, understood and agreed with the process.
“However, what they did after the process — for instance, the distribution of electoral materials to senatorial zones — was witnessed by our agents. However, on arrival at the senatorial zone headquarters for onward distribution to local government councils, several materials went missing and could not be traced.
“From the local government headquarters, our officially accredited ward agents who were supposed to witness what was happening were not even allowed into the premises. From there, the destinations of the ballot boxes were not known.”
He expressed optimism that democracy would ultimately prevail, insisting that the struggle for justice, fairness and credible democratic participation was far from over.
“This is not the end of the journey. Democracy is a continuous process, and every experience strengthens our resolve for greater service and stronger commitment to the people,” Haruna said.