Some members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) from Daura Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina, have protested against what they called “plans to impose another candidate in place of the one who won the primaries”.
The leader of the members, who is also the state Chairman of ex-councilors, Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman, expressed their views while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Katsina.
According to him, during the recent primaries by the party for the councillorship and chairmanship positions, their candidate, Alhaji Shehu Audu, was declared winner of the election.
“Looking at our candidate’s capability to contest for the chairmanship position in Daura, the people of the area came out in large numbers and voted for him, and he was declared the winner out of the three aspirants.
“But unfortunately, some of the party members with selfish interests ganged up in an attempt to change the election result which we will never agree to,’’ he said.
He said that the successful candidate has been dragged to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by one of those who lost out during the primary election.
“I wish to inform you that they have framed him, alleging that he collected money from youths in the area to secure a job for them.
“He was detained at the state CID office, and presently we are discussing with our lawyers to see how we can follow the issue,’’ Suleiman said.
According to Suleiman, “our candidate is in serious health condition in detention, and needs medical attention.”
The aggrieved APC members appealed to Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the issue to save the party from being defeated in April’s council election.
“Looking at the problem at hand and it is happening in President Muhammad Buhari’s LGA, we are appealing to the party leaders, especially the governor, to intervene so that justice can be done.
“Those involved in the issue should know that the people of Daura know what happened during the primary election, their eyes are on them and they are waiting for them.
“Therefore, they should have a change of mind and support the elected candidate in the interest of the electorate and the progress of the party,’’ he appealed.
He, therefore, called on the party members and the electorate to remain calm, assuring them that the truth will emerge and their candidate will win in the end. (NAN)