A coalition of youth and student groups in Kano has called for fairness, equity and reward for loyalty in the allocation of the Kano Central Senatorial ticket.
The groups, including Coalition for Better Kano, Concern Kano Citizens, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kano Axis, National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS) and other northern student stakeholders, made the call at a press briefing on Monday in Kano.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, their leader, Inyass Muhammad Auwal, said the appeal followed speculations that the ticket might be allocated to Malam Ibrahim Shekarau after his return to the party.
Auwal said while the groups respected Shekarau as an elder statesman, political justice required that loyalty and commitment be duly rewarded.
He recalled that party stability had previously been maintained through decisions that respected established structures and contributions of loyal members.
The coalition identified two key party figures it said had made significant sacrifices for the party’s success.
According to him, Murtala Sule Garo, who contested as deputy governor, was already positioned within the executive arm.
He added that Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, who contested for the Kano Central Senatorial seat in the last election, remained a committed supporter of the party.
The groups, therefore, called for an “automatic ticket” for Zaura to re-contest the seat, describing it as a fair and just decision.
“To bypass a loyal party member in favour of a newcomer would send a wrong signal that sacrifice and consistency are not valued,” Auwal said.
He urged party stakeholders to take decisions that would reflect fairness and avoid actions that could be perceived as injustice.
The coalition also appealed to Shekarau to play a fatherly role by ensuring that his involvement in the process would not create disaffection among loyal party members.
Auwal said the youth and students in the state were closely monitoring developments and expressed hope that the party’s final decision would reflect equity and justice.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the groups to the progress and stability of Kano State.
