Governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau, Bauchi and Kwara states have intensified their campaigns ahead of the party’s primaries, expressing confidence in their chances of emerging victorious after appearing before the screening committee in Abuja.
The aspirants, who spoke separately after the screening exercise on Sunday, dismissed speculations surrounding consensus arrangements and political imposition, insisting that party members and the electorate should determine who emerges as candidates.
In Plateau State, governorship aspirant and retired military officer, Commander YilchiniJan Bida, declared that the overwhelming support he had received from party faithful and residents had strengthened his confidence ahead of the primaries.
According to him, celebrations had continued in Plateau since he obtained and submitted his nomination forms.
“When I picked up my forms, the people of Plateau were celebrating and jubilating because they know my capability,” he said.
Bida described the screening exercise as transparent and evidence of the APC’s commitment to internal democracy and equal opportunity for aspirants.
“The process went well. It shows that APC is a party that believes in internal democracy and wants to create a level playing field for anybody who feels he has something to offer,” he stated.
The retired officer also expressed optimism that the adoption of direct primaries would favour candidates with strong grassroots support.
“They have handed over the power to the people to decide who becomes governor. Plateau people are behind me, and hopefully we will all smile in victory after the primaries,” he added.
In Bauchi State, another governorship aspirant, Dr. Nura Manu, dismissed reports of any consensus arrangement within the party, insisting that he remained fully in the race.
“I am not aware of any consensus in Bauchi. I have no intention of stepping down for anybody,” Manu said.
He described the screening session as engaging and productive, noting that the committee subjected aspirants to extensive questioning.
Speaking on his development agenda, Manu clarified that his proposed N100 billion intervention fund was designed to support agricultural commercialisation and small-scale enterprises rather than security operations.
“The N100 billion fund I am talking about is meant to support the commercialisation of agriculture and small-scale enterprises. It is part of my three-point agenda for the state,” he explained.
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, Speaker of the State House of Assembly and APC governorship aspirant, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, also expressed confidence in his chances amid speculation that he may enjoy the support of influential political stakeholders.
Responding to claims that he could emerge as the party’s preferred candidate, Salihu said: “If there is an anointed candidate, and people are saying Danladi has been anointed, my prayer is let it be so.”
He defended his ambition to move from the legislature to the executive arm, arguing that his years as Speaker had equipped him with valuable governance and administrative experience.
“Being a presiding officer is an executive role. The experience we have gathered over the past seven years has prepared us to run Kwara and take it to the next level,” he said.
Salihu also called for unity among aspirants and party members ahead of the primaries, stressing the need for cooperation and collective commitment to the party’s success in 2027.
