The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, has expressed satisfaction over the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent by-election in Kano State.
The Minister, in a chat with FCT News Gazette in Kano shortly after the announcement of the results said despite the state being controlled by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the APC managed to win one more seat in the State House of Assembly by-election, which ushered in Honourable Ya’u Garba Gwarmai as the member of the House of Assembly elect.
Dr. Bunkure who attributed the victory to what she described as efforts of her great party – the APC, and all stakeholders, notably the former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said the impressive outing of the party in the by-election is an indication of greater victory in the 2027 general elections.
According to Dr. Bunkure, Ganduje’s influence in Kano State was instrumental in delivering the wins for the APC. She praised Ganduje’s antecedents, noting that his leadership and strategic guidance have been crucial in shaping the party’s fortunes in the state. The minister believes that Ganduje’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Kano State is akin to that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose own political acumen has been pivotal in APC’s successes nationwide.
The by-election was held to fill vacant seats in the state legislative assembly, and the APC’s victory was seen as a significant boost to the party’s morale. Dr. Bunkure congratulated the APC candidates, their supporters, and the people of Kano State for conducting a peaceful election. She also commended the security agencies for ensuring a smooth and safe electoral process.
While the NNPP won the Bagwai/Shanono state constituency by-election with 16,198 votes, the APC secured victory in the Ghari/Tsanyawa supplementary election, with their candidate, Garba Gwarmai, polling 31,472 votes. The APC’s win in this constituency was declared after a supplementary election was conducted due to earlier irregularities.
“The APC’s victory in the by-election has been attributed to Ganduje’s strategic leadership and his ability to unite party members behind a common goal. Ganduje’s experience and knowledge of Kano State’s political dynamics were key factors in the party’s success,” Dr. Bunkure emphasised.
She expressed optimism that the APC would continue to thrive in the state under Ganduje’s guidance.
However, the NNPP has rejected the outcome of the Tsanyawa/Ghari State Assembly re-run election, alleging that the poll was rigged in favor of the APC. The party has vowed to challenge the declaration of the APC candidate as the winner in court.
Despite the controversy surrounding the election, Dr. Bunkure remains confident that the APC’s victory will stand the test of time. The minister believes that the APC’s wins in the by-election are a testament to the party’s growing strength and popularity in the state.
In the aftermath of the by-election, APC members have called for unity and reconciliation within the party. Some party stalwarts have acknowledged the APC’s struggles in Kano State but emphasized the need for party members to come together to reclaim their electoral strength.
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