Katsina PDP Primaries: Time for party interest to prevail

Already, shortly after the commencement of the exercise, some of the aspirants, in a meeting with the electoral panel raised some objections regarding arrangements for the exercise. They later dismissed the outcome, a normal reaction by political actors after every democratic contest. It is worth knowing that no electoral contest is free of mistakes and […]

Already, shortly after the commencement of the exercise, some of the aspirants, in a meeting with the electoral panel raised some objections regarding arrangements for the exercise. They later dismissed the outcome, a normal reaction by political actors after every democratic contest. It is worth knowing that no electoral contest is free of mistakes and rancour as described Chairman of the electoral panel, Abubakar Mu’azu who said “the panel has noted the observations raised by some aspirants and will adjust the ones that are adjustable but others that are in line with the party guidelines will not be tempered with.”
This assurance was adhered to during the election process as most of raised observations were addressed as the delegates casted their votes that finally confirmed Engineer Nashuni as the winner of the primary elections. 1,372 delegates were accredited for the election. Although the other aspirants later staged a walk-out, the fact of the matter is that the process was not only adjudged as transparent, it was peaceful and has satisfied all the laid down rules and regulations governing the conduct of primary elections as reiterated by members of the electoral committee that conducted the elections.
Like any other elections, primaries are the first hurdle to cross and has usually been dismissed at the beginning especially by other aspirants who were not successful. As a family, the PDP, especially in Katsina State, has been known to cement any crack through dialogue, understanding and in the overall interest of the party. The other eight aspirants have all worked hard to make the PDP what it is today and they will surely, at the appropriate time, sacrifice for the betterment of the party and join hands to work for its victory.
And as enunciated by Engineer Nashuni, shortly after he was declared winner, “The responsibility of ensuring the victory of the party is greater than my personal interest and I call on all PDP followers and my colleagues the aspirants, to join hands with me to consolidate on the great achievements of our leader Governor Ibrahim Shema.” He has been in the cabinet of Shema since he was appointed Special Adviser on Resource Development in August 2007 and later elevated to the post of Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in August 2010 before moving to the Ministry of Resource Development. His emergence has maintained a tradition in the state where commissioners have been groomed to succeed their principals in the state. The current governor himself was a commissioner in the cabinet of late Yar’adua when he governed the state between 1998 to 2007. His emergence from the cabinet is seen as following footsteps earlier started by the late president when he was governor.
Nashuni’s vast experience has placed him as the candidate to beat come February 2015. His humble opinion, loyalty and determination for success are attributes that are required to lead an emerging state to greatness, especially in a period of uncertainty. Like many patriots, the Katsina aspirants are bound by duty and the state’s interest to join hands with him to take the state to greatness. After all, the aspirants themselves were in the race to add value to the people of the state and since their collective decision was the choice of Nashuni, posterity will judge them by the decision to stay with people’s choice.
It is obvious that collective right will prevail over personal interest and the PDP family will surely come together and form a formidable front to ensure success at the polls by February, 2014 as always. While we celebrate the emergence of Nashuni, all hands must now be on deck to ensure victory that will usher in continuity, a fact that has served the people of Katsina since 1998.
Jawad wrote from Gamji Road, Kaduna and can be reached at [email protected]