From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
Barely two weeks after the endorsement of Dr Shem Nuhu Zagbayi by the state leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), another aspirant, Hon Abdullahi Musa, has shown interest in the party’s sole ticket for the poll.
In a letter dated 24th July, 2014 , Musa, who was in the of House Representative between 1999 to 2003, intimated the state PDP Chairman that after consulting with stakeholders in the Zone, he had decided to contest in the bye-election .
The letter read “I, Hon Abdullahi Musa, after consulting widely with well-meaning indigenes and stakeholders of our dear zone, wish to inform you of my intention to contest for the position (Niger east senatorial seat)”
He stated that his experience as one of the foremost members of the national assembly where he served as the House Committee Chairman on Commerce had availed him the needed experience to contest and will be an added advantage for the party.
He sought for the Chairman of the party’s support. He said with the support of the party, he will carry out the mandate of the people and also complete the works started by late Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta.
On why he decided to contest when the party had already endorsed Zagbayi as its candidate, Musa said “I don’t believe that there is an endorsement; a party like ours should be seen to be democratic. PDP is a Democratic Party. I can remember vividly when the present National Chairman came, he made it clear that there is no automatic ticket”
He noted that as a democratic party, due process must be followed adding that he was not consulted before the said endorsement because by virtue of his position, he was supposed to be member of the caucus.
“I was not consulted, or invited to any meeting and as such the issue of consensus does not arise. But I can see some people want to be smart; that is why they want to fast track every thing, I have written my letter to them, and I intend to pursue it through democratic processes”
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