Furera Ahmad, the only female governorship candidate in Kano State, has pledged to tackle drug abuse and thuggery if elected in the forthcoming general elections.
Ahmad, who is contesting under the platform of the Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party, made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Wednesday.
She said her experience as a mother had given her insight into the challenges facing women, children and young people, particularly the growing menace of drug abuse and youth violence.
Ahmad criticized politicians who allegedly engage young people in thuggery during electioneering campaigns, sometimes under the influence of drugs.
“I will place priority on the plight of women, children and youths, especially on the issue of drug abuse and thuggery,” she said.
According to her, mothers are often better positioned to identify early signs of drug abuse and behavioral problems among children because of their close involvement in their upbringing.
“We are mothers who are always close to the women and children. We give them proper upbringing. Most men don’t notice drug abuse or bad behavior of their children early until it has gone too far,” she said.
Ahmad said the challenges had become a major concern for community leaders, stressing the need for women to participate actively in politics and governance to address them.
She expressed optimism about her chances in the election, saying she was gaining support from women and other members of the electorate.
The candidate also urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying, warning that exchanging their votes for food items or small amounts of money undermines their democratic rights.
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“We should shun vote buying, selling our votes because of spaghetti, rice, and token. We should not sell our franchise,” she said.
Ahmad urged voters to elect competent candidates based on their ability to deliver, rather than their political party affiliations.
She also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credible elections, insisting that whoever legitimately wins should be declared the winner.
