A coalition of groups and associations in Sokoto state, has appealed to a member of House of Representatives, Dr Abdullahi Balarabe Salame, to contest the 2023 governorship election in the state.
Salame represents Gwadabawa and Illela Federal constituency, at the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
Addressing a press conference at Sokoto Guest Inn on Thursday, the Chairman of Peace and Justice Network, Yusuf Jibo Gwashi on behalf of other associations, said the leadership qualities of Salame propelled the Coalition, to initiate the move to compel him to contest.
“We, the members of the above associations called this press conference out of our concern for sustainable growth and development of our dear state, as well as desire and absolute position on who is supposed to become the next governor of Sokoto state in 2023.
“This coalition is adding its voice to the need for electing a credible personality, a man of impeccable character, a man of vision and mission, as well as a pious and an astute democrat to become governor of Sokoto state in 2023.
“Precisely speaking, we are talking about a man, who is tested and trusted, who is also capable of taking our dear state out of its current doldrums by spiraling the state to greater heights.
“We must however hasten to make it categorically clear that, the coalition is made up of politically-oriented groups and several other non-political groups. While some of the groups are affiliated to the All Progressive Congress, APC, several others are not.
“Glaringly, we are calling on the incumbent member of the House of Representatives, representing Gwadabawa and Illela Federal constituency, Dr Abdullahi Balarabe Salame, to come out as soon as possible, to declare his intention to contest the 2023 gubernatorial election, under the APC. It is noteworthy that, Dr Salame has recorded myriad of achievements as a Member of the House of Representatives, from 2011 to date,” Dogon Daji stated.
He added that Salame was a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011 at which time he became Speaker as well as acting governor.
“In view of the previous positions Dr Salame had successfully held like the Speaker, Acting Governor and currently hold, we strongly believe that he is the most qualified person to contest the gubernatorial position under the APC in 2023.The appeal is indeed made to salvage the Sokoto state from the current credible leadership challenges.
“While we are highly optimistic that Dr Salame will speedily heed to our call, we must however stress that, we are ready to take any lawful action to ensure that he contests the position, including dragging him to the Court, to compel him to do so,” the Coalition further stated.
