By Godwin Agia
The All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate for Taraba North, Hon. Kabiru Bello Badawaire, on Saturday dismissed reports alleging that he had been replaced as the party’s candidate, insisting that he remained validly nominated and would not withdraw from the 2027 senatorial race.
Badawaire said he was duly elected as the APC candidate and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, adding that no official communication had been made to him regarding any replacement.
He also rejected claims that the party had substituted his name with that of the incumbent senator, Senator Shuibu Isa Lau.
“I will not withdraw from the senatorial race to represent Taraba North Senatorial District. I am the candidate and will not step aside for any individual,” he said.
The APC candidate added, “I cannot sell out the mandate given to me by the masses. I am not aware of my replacement, and the party has not communicated anything to me.”
Badawaire argued that any attempt to replace him without his consent would violate the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Citing Section 29 of the Electoral Act, he maintained that a political party could only substitute a duly nominated candidate after the candidate had voluntarily withdrawn from the contest in accordance with the law.
“I do not look like someone who will withdraw from the race, and that mandate remains mine. The party must respect due process,” he stated.
According to him, the speculation surrounding his alleged replacement was undemocratic and inconsistent with the legal provisions governing the nomination of candidates.
He said, “Except a candidate is properly informed and agrees to step aside, or voluntarily writes to the party withdrawing from the contest, such a candidate cannot be replaced.”
Badawaire urged supporters and residents of Taraba North to disregard the reports, insisting that he remained the APC’s authentic senatorial candidate.
“I wish to inform Tarabans that my name has not been replaced with that of any individual. I remain the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Taraba North and will not withdraw for anybody,” he declared.
