Panic hits Zaura’s camp as Shekarau gears up for Senate

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

A shivering panic has hit the camp of Abdulsalam Abdulkarim  Zaura, an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for Kano Central, following hints of the return of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to the race.

Daily Sun gathered that Zaura, who hails from Ungogo LGA of the state, had been upbeat for the ticket until recently when Mallam Shekarau defected to the APC.

Insiders told Daily Sun that Shekarau is being encouraged to pick the ticket as an antidote to the overwhelming influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the central district of the state.

“Sincerely speaking, Zaura, despite his huge financial war chest, is no match to Kwankwaso in this district and fielding him will be a very costly mistake as Kwankwaso will run him down in seconds,” the source stated.

In the meantime, some youth in the area, who are also overly sympathetic to Zaura have openly appealed to Shekarau not to accept the urge to join the race.

The youths, led by Inyass Mohammed Auwal, also faulted moves to automatically hand over the ticket to Shekarau, describing it as a betrayal of Zaura’s sacrifice, commitment and dedication to the party.

Speaking during a press conference in Kano, they argued that the principle of fairness demanded that loyalty be rewarded. “To bypass a loyalist who has invested so much in the party in favour of a newcomer, regardless of his status, would send a damaging signal that the party does not value consistency nor sacrifice” they stated.

Spokesperson to Zaura’s Campaign Organization could not be reached for comment while Sule Yau Sule, spokesperson for Shekarau admitted that his principal was being urged to join the race.