Katsina Times
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State to uphold unity, discipline and consensus as preparations intensify for the party’s forthcoming primary elections.
The governor made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House, where party leaders reviewed arrangements for the primaries.
Radda said the move to adopt a consensus option in selecting candidates followed high-level consultations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the approach would help stabilise the party and minimise internal disputes.
According to him, while consensus would be prioritised, primary elections would still be conducted where necessary to ensure inclusiveness and fairness.
He stressed that unity among party members remains critical to strengthening the APC’s structure and sustaining its political gains in the state.
The governor also cautioned aspirants against excessive spending during the nomination process, describing leadership as a responsibility that demands integrity, accountability and service to the people.
“We must ensure that those who emerge as candidates truly reflect the aspirations of the people,” he said, urging members to place party interest above personal ambition.
Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent and inclusive processes, both in governance and party affairs, while warning against actions capable of creating division within the party.
He further called for intensified grassroots mobilisation, encouraging party members to strengthen engagement at polling unit level across the state.
Earlier, the APC State Chairman, Bashir Gambo Saulawa, said the party had released its timetable for the primaries to guide all activities.
Saulawa confirmed that the party would implement the consensus model in line with consultations among stakeholders, adding that key committees had been constituted to ensure a smooth process.
He said the Consensus and Reconciliation Committees would be co-chaired by former governors Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema.
According to him, three zonal consensus committees have also been established: Katsina Zone to be chaired by Ibrahim Ida; Funtua Zone by Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi; and Daura Zone by Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
He added that an affirmation committee had also been set up to support the process.
Saulawa expressed confidence that the consensus arrangement would enhance cohesion within the party, noting that similar approaches had recorded success in other states.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, party leaders and stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, members of the National and State Assemblies, ministers, and local government party executives.
Photos: Katsina State Government
