Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Sumaila Kawu, has declared that he emerged as the sole senatorial aspirant in the district, dismissing claims of controversy surrounding his candidacy ahead of the elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News monitored by The News Chronicle, Sumaila said consensus arrangements remain a common political strategy within the All Progressives Congress, particularly in parliamentary contests.
The lawmaker described the failure of some lawmakers to secure return tickets as unfortunate, attributing such outcomes to multiple factors including zoning arrangements, prolonged stay in office, and unpopular policies that may have alienated constituents.
Sumaila also dismissed reports suggesting that Kabiru Alhasan was pressured to step aside to pave the way for his emergence as the APC’s sole senatorial candidate in Kano South.
“Some people approached Kabiru Hassan to contest against me, but he refused because of our relationship and the way we work together. In fact, he was the one who organised the event that produced me as the candidate,” he said.
According to him, Governor-led reconciliation efforts within the party were unrelated to his candidacy, insisting there was never any real opposition against him.
“The governor only called for reconciliation because of certain issues, not because of my contest. Alhassan himself said it would be wrong to contest against me,” Sumaila added.
Highlighting his achievements in office, the senator said his performance across agriculture, healthcare and education sectors justified his return bid.
He claimed to have revitalised irrigation farming across the district, renovated hospitals, donated medical equipment, and sponsored students in nursing, midwifery and community health programmes in both public and private institutions.
“Kano South Senatorial District is the largest irrigation hub not only in Nigeria but in Africa,” he stated.
