By-election: El-Rufai campaigns for Kaduna ADC candidate
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday, stormed Chikun Local Government Area to campaign for African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Alex Adamu, ahead of Saturday’s by-election for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat. El-Rufai was accompanied by key political allies and coalition leaders, including North West ADC Chairman, Jafaru Sani; former Chief of Staff, […]
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Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday, stormed Chikun Local Government Area to campaign for African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Alex Adamu, ahead of Saturday’s by-election for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat.
El-Rufai was accompanied by key political allies and coalition leaders, including North West ADC Chairman, Jafaru Sani; former Chief of Staff, Bashir Sa’idu; former Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hafsat Baba; Kaduna State Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chairman, Nasiru Maikano; and other party officials.
El-Rufai remains a member of the SDP, according to the party’s state executives, despite the national leadership having expelled him and banned him for 30 years. As a leader within the coalition-led ADC, his decision not to formally join the party had raised questions, with officials explaining that figures like El-Rufai and Peter Obi were given time to conclude ongoing by-elections under their current party platforms.
However, it was learnt that the SDP in the state opted not to field a candidate in the election, instead choosing to rally behind the ADC candidate.
The campaign train visited several communities within the constituency, including Nassarawa, Kujama, and Rido, attracting large crowds of supporters.
Speaking in a phone interview, Hafsat Baba said El-Rufai urged residents to vote for ADC candidates across the state, emphasising the coalition’s pledge to reserve 50% of party positions for youth and 35% for women.
Baba added that El-Rufai also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field.
According to her, residents were visibly surprised and excited to see the former governor on the campaign trail.
“Everywhere we went, people came out in large numbers. We are now moving to Nassarawa after visiting Kujama and Rido. Tomorrow (Thursday), Malam will be in Zaria for the by-elections in Zaria/Kewaye and Sabon Gari to present our candidates,” she said.
The Chikun/Kajuru by-election is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in Kaduna State, seen as a test of the ADC’s coalition strength ahead of future polls.