Against, multiple clusters of women supporters and members of All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday went on peaceful demonstration to register their full backing for Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura Senatorial bid.
The women in their loudest voice insisted the party must give Zaura the opportunity to represent Kano Central Senatorial district in the spirit of fairness and justice.
Marching through major streets of the ancient city on Wednesday under heavy security guide, the protesters declared “No Zaura, no vote for APC”, in Kano Senatorial in 2027 general election.
The women, under the banner of AA Zaura Women Mobilisation Forum led by Binta Rabiu Zaura, were seen chanting “No Zaura, no vote,” while carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for AA Zaura,” “Reward loyalty,” and “Kano women stand with Zaura.”
Addressing journalists during the procession, the coordinator of the group, Binta Rabiu Zaura, said the women were demanding fairness and recognition for Zaura’s contributions to the party and the people of Kano.
“We are here to tell the leadership of the APC that AA Zaura has sacrificed so much for this party and for the people. He deserves justice and fair treatment,” she said.
According to her, Zaura has empowered thousands of youths and women across the state through humanitarian and business support initiatives.
“He has touched many lives, especially among women and young people. We cannot sit quietly and watch him being sidelined,” she added.
The protesters also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC national leaders to intervene in the political situation in Kano and ensure what they described as a transparent and inclusive process.
One of the protesters, Amina Musa, said many grassroots supporters were unhappy with recent developments surrounding the Kano Central senatorial ticket.
“We are loyal party members, but loyalty should be rewarded. If there is no justice for AA Zaura, many people may lose interest in participating,” she said.
The protest comes amid growing political tension within the Kano APC over the Kano Central Senatorial ticket following the emergence of former governor Ibrahim Shekarau as the party’s consensus candidate.
Six aspirants vying for similarly seat recently stepped down their ambition after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s intervention to pave way for Shekarau who the party has anointed as consensus candidate.
However, Zaura faulted the reconciliation meeting held in Abuja which he claimed was ill intended targeted to deny him the opportunity to realize his political interest.
Popularly call AA Zaura distanced himself from the consensus arrangement that produced Shekarau insisted he was not invited to the reconciliation meeting where several aspirants stepped down for Shekarau.
Although, Zaura asserted that he would continue to pursue his ambition under the ruling APC but regretted the party had simply imposed candidate and not consensus for Kano Central Senatorial district seat.
