The National President of Nagerian Union of Teachers, (NUT ), who is also the Deputy Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress( NLC), Dr Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), has emerged as the the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate on Thursday in Kebbi State.
Dr Idris emerged as the APC flag bearer at the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi.
At the party’s governorship primary election, deemed as the most transparent,smooth and peaceful democratic franchise, Dr Nasir Idris, polled one thousand and fifty five votes to defeat two other contestants, Abubakar Gari Malam,a retired Deputy Comptroller – General of Customs, who polled 35 votes, while Senator Abdullahi Yahaya, the Senate Majority leader scored zero vote. The total number of delegates who caste their votes was one thousand and ninety .
The Chairman, Kebbi governorship primaries from the APC National Secretariat , Abuja, Hon. Idris Yahuza Ya’akub declared the outcome of the election.
In his acceptance speech after the successful conduct of the APC Gubernatorial primaries, Idris said what happened was a manifestation of the Almighty God’s plans for him and Kebbi State and that his nomination was a big call to service.
“To lead is a trust and a challenge, both before man and God,” the APC flagbearer said .
He said that with his nomination, the members of the party in the state had demonstrated their commitment to sustain the desire for the search for greatness, progress and development.
He added:”This is through our formidable party, with all the citizens as passengers and myself as a careful driver.
“I have accepted the nomination as a loyal and faithful flag bearer of APC.
“My choice has humbled me deeply. I am certainly not the most qualified to lead.
“Everyone in the race was qualified,but God has decided to place the enormous responsibility on my shoulders.
“And I accept with the highest sense of responsibility and commitment.”
The APC candidate urged all to join him in prayers for guidance, strength and protection.
The Kauran Gwandu also promised to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by God and the good people of the state.
He however said that he is challenged by the greatness and personality of Gov. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, whom he is poised to succeed, in sha Allahu.
According to him, Bagudu had written his name in gold, by his achievements and magnanimity, in Kebbi state and Nigeria,at large.
While promising to emulate Bagudu, Idris also pledged to treat all citizens as equal .
Also speaking, the Kebbi State Governor , Abubakar Atiku Bagudu recalled how the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN had hitherto withdrawn his ambition, penultimate week.
“Little did he know that that humility would pay off to be where he is today.
Bagudu vowed that Kebbi state will continue to stand out amongst the states in the country, just as it will continue to be a pacesetter and a trail blazer.
While reiterating that power comes from God, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum added that, the party has recorded tremendous tangible achievements ,both at the national and state levels, inspite of myriad of challenges.
He pledged that the state’s and Nigeria’s trajectories to greatness would be sustained.
“We pray that this choice will lead us to success,” Bagudu added, extolling the contributions of all the stakeholders, leaders, members, delegates, supporters, press and the security among others.
The Chairman of the State main committee of the governorship election, Senator Muhamadu Magoro lauded Bagudu for making the resources available to ensure the successful conduct of the exercise.
According to him, the committee sent from the APC national headquarters to oversee the exercise had diligently done so.
He equally thanked all the Party’s stakeholders , the press, security and the electoral team from Abuja for their hard work in ensuring a level playing ground for all those who took part in the election.
Also , the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN , in a remark , commended other contestants for their spirit of sportsmanship by accepting the result of the primary election.
He thanked Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for being a pillar of democracy in Kebbi state and Nigeria, which has helped to strengthen APC as a political party.
One of the gubernatorial aspirants, retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Abubakar Gari Mallam, Shattiman Gwandu accepted the results in good faith, saying,” God gives power to whom he likes.”
Alhaji Gari Mallam was full of praises for Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for making the process peaceful, credible, transparent and democratic.
While congratulating the winner , Dr Nasir Idris, he pleded to give him the necessary support to secure victory at the 2023 elections.
Personalities at the venue of the primary election were one of the aspirants, Senate Leader, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi, Mallamawan Kabi, former Governor, Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aliero, the State Deputy Governor, Col. Samaila Yombe Dabai, Speaker House of Assembly, Muhammad Abubakar Sani Lolo, Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah, Kebbi State APC Chairman, Abubakar Muhammad Kana, Head of Security Agencies as well as other members of the House of Representatives.
