By Fadhlillah Abdallah
The Senate Majority leader, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya at the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Kebbi state, polled zero vote and lost to the National President of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Deputy Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Dr Nasir Idris.
Of the total of 1,090 delegates that caste their votes, Idris polled 1,055 votes to defeat the first runner-up, Abubakar Gari Malam, who polled 35 votes and emerged the APC flag bearer.
The chairman of Kebbi governorship primaries, who came from the APC National Headquarters, Abuja, Idris Yahuza Ya’akub declared Idris as winner of the primaries.
In his acceptance speech, Idris said what happened was a manifestation of the Almighty God’s plans for him and Kebbi state and that his nomination was a call to service.
“To lead is a trust and a challenge, both before man and God,” the APC flagbearer said.
He said that with his nomination, members of the party had demonstrated their commitment to sustain the desire for the search for greatness, progress and development.
“This is through our formidable party, with all the citizens as passengers and myself as a careful driver.
“I have accepted the nomination as a loyal and faithful flag bearer of APC.
“My choice has humbled me deeply. I am certainly not the most qualified to lead.
“Everyone in the race was qualified,but God has decided to place the enormous responsibility on my shoulders.
“And I accept with the highest sense of responsibility and commitment.”
The APC candidate urged all to join him in prayers for guidance, strength and protection.
He also promised to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by God and the good people of the state.
He however said that he is challenged by the greatness and personality of Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, whom he is poised to succeed, in sha Allahu.
According to him, Bagudu had written his name in gold, by his achievements and magnanimity in Kebbi state and Nigeria at large.
While promising to emulate Bagudu, Idris also pledged to treat all citizens as equal.
Also speaking, the Kebbi state governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu recalled how the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami withdrew his ambition, penultimate week.
“Little did he know that that humility would pay off to be where he is today.
Bagudu vowed that Kebbi state will continue to stand out amongst the states in the country, just as it will continue to be a pacesetter and a trail blazer.
While reiterating that power comes from God, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum added that, the party has recorded tremendous tangible achievements ,both at the national and state levels, in spite of myriad of challenges.
He pledged that the state’s and Nigeria’s trajectories to greatness would be sustained.
“We pray that this choice will lead us to success,” Bagudu added, extolling the contributions of all the stakeholders, leaders, members, delegates, supporters, press and the security among others.
The chairman of the state main committee of the governorship election, Senator Muhamadu Magoro lauded Bagudu for making the resources available to ensure the successful conduct of the exercise.
According to him, the committee sent from the APC national headquarters to oversee the exercise had diligently done so.
He equally thanked all the Party’s stakeholders, the press, security and the electoral team from Abuja for their hard work in ensuring a level playing ground for all those who took part in the election.
Also, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami commended other contestants for their spirit of sportsmanship by accepting the result of the primary election.
He thanked Bagudu for being a pillar of democracy in Kebbi state and Nigeria, which has helped to strengthen APC as a political party.
One of the gubernatorial aspirants, Gari Mallam accepted the results in good faith, saying, “God gives power to whom he likes.”
