Politics
A A Zaura: Let The Man Be!
By Dr Umar Sani Zage
For the good people of Kano, the name Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura popularly known as A A Zaura is a name that delineates nothing but philanthropy, generosity, benevolence, humanitarianism and public-spiritedness.
The Kano businessman has positively affected hundreds of thousands of Kano families, from Dambatta to Tudun Wada, Gwarzo to Gaya. He has built schools, hospitals, vocational centres, as well as numerous empowerments and social assistance. And he has done all of these and more without occupying a single political office, all of these spending were from his hard-earned money.
His dozens of empowerment programmes has clearly shown that innovation is the best empowerment you can give to any person. It’s no surprise that he was once heard saying that, “I want people, especially the youth, to ascend to the apex of their ambition”.
His humility, strong character, passion for the less-privileged and love for quality education and healthcare are some of the defined qualities of A A Zaura widely recognized in the State. It’s no surprise when the people of Kano dragged him into the race for Kano Guber. And many indigenes think the APC will pulled out a massive win ratio with A A Zaura as the Kano Guber Candidate.
But as Allah will have it, Gawuna emerged the Kano Guber candidate and to the delight of the good people of Kano, A A Zaura was later voted for the APC Kano Central Senatorial seat, the biggest senatorial zone in Nigeria got one of the biggest altruist of our modern politics.
With this good news for the APC and the good people of Kano, the enemies of the state and enemies of Kano people rolled on their evil machinations to ensure that the Kano Central people don’t get this fountain of humanitarian activities as their Senator come 2023.
For any progressive supporter of the APC and anybody who meant well for Kano people, it will be clear that it’s for our own best interest that someone like A A Zaura will be in the Senate come 2023. Time and efforts have shown that this man understands the culture of strategic planning, geared towards building a greater nationa and doing well for the people.
But like everything good in life, there seem to be unwanted elements fighting this good cause, it Al started with campaign of calumny questioning his ability to contest and when he got the ticket for the Kano Central Senatorial zone they shifted the fight to weak court case making numerous false and malicious allegations against a decent man, who has nothing but the good people of Kano at heart.
Every single day they come up with a different pattern of rumors circulated in the media against this rare gem of a businessman turned politician. You don’t need a soothsayer to know that these schemes are purely the handwork of blind enemies of the party and the state. And to use, a court case to dan this amber of hate and malice, goes to show how much these people lack decorum and morals.
It is Allah who gives power to whom He wants, when and how He wants. This is a scripture in the Holy Quran. It is sad that people seem to forget that and they feel they can change the will of the people by schemings and plots. The earlier they let this man be, the better for them and the party as a whole. It’s baffling why anyone in Kano will fight his Senatorial – a politician that even the opposition wish he is in their ranks.
A former NEPU stalwart and a political icon of the state said, “Very few people have contributed to the development of this state and the development of the APC like A A Zaura has done. Personally, I feel those opposing his senatorial bid are people who don’t have the best interest of the party and Kano at heart”.
At this time, when the hope of the people for good governance is beginning to dwindle, A A Zaura is exactly what the Kano people need to build back an already fragile confidence. And coming from the private sector, he has damn advantage of running the mandate of the people like he runs his successful business with transparency and accountability.
With a combination of humanitarian experience and collaboration with the state government as well as the will to serve the people, come 2023 A A Zaura will be come a reference point when history of Kano state is to be written.
Dr Zage wrote in from Zage quarters of Kano and can be reached on doctorzee1999@yahoo.com
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Senate minority Leader and key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Senator Abba Moro, has reiterated the party’s commitment to restructuring and regaining its electoral strength.
Speaking after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly caucus meeting on Wednesday, Moro addressed concerns about the party’s recent setbacks and ongoing efforts to prepare for future electoral challenges.
Moro emphasized that the PDP remains resilient despite recent losses, including gubernatorial elections, and is strategizing to strengthen the party.
“We discussed the affairs of the party, particularly as we approach a critical meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC)to take vital decisions on the state of the PDP,” Moro said.
“We are intensifying efforts to ensure the party grows stronger and prepares for subsequent elections without distractions.”
Addressing allegations of vote buying in recent elections, Moro expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Everyone is worried about Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “INEC has faced criticism, but every failure is a lesson. We must ensure that mandates stolen from the people, like in Edo State, are restored. Failure should become a mechanism for future success.”
Responding to criticisms of PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, Moro dismissed claims that his leadership has been detrimental to the party.
“The PDP is not just about one individual,” he stated. “Damagun is the acting chairman, but PDP is about all its members. We are working round the clock to return the PDP to its winning ways.”
He also downplayed the influence of PDP members like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been associated with the APC.
Moro likened such political dynamics to bipartisan endorsements seen in the United States, emphasizing that PDP remains focused on rebuilding.
“Anyone working against the PDP today will have to contend with the resilience of PDP members,” he warned.
Highlighting the party’s long-standing reputation, Moro described the PDP as a resilient brand that has always bounced back from challenges.
“PDP is a brand,” he declared. “Despite temporary setbacks, we will bounce back. Once our electoral laws are strengthened, future election results will not be the same.”
When asked who should be blamed for the party’s challenges, Moro refrained from finger-pointing, stating:
“The most important thing is that something is not right. We are working to fix it, and we will get it right.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the PDP Senate caucus to revitalize the party and ensure better outcomes in upcoming elections.
***Describes Process as “Victimless Crime” in Scathing Critique
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has issued a critical assessment of the recent Ondo State Governorship Election, labeling it an “Ondo Auction.”
Adebayo argued that the election was less about genuine democracy and more about transactional politics, with “willing buyers” and “willing sellers” dominating the process.
Taking to his X account, Adebayo suggested that the Ondo election could serve as a case study for the Central Bank’s foreign exchange practices, given the efficient “marketplace” nature of the vote.
He lamented what he saw as a lack of authentic voter engagement, claiming that ballots appeared to be traded as commodities rather than cast with genuine intent.
Adebayo extended his criticism to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and major media outlets, whom he accused of watching passively as the alleged auction unfolded.
Offering sarcastic congratulations to those who “purchased” the victory, he sympathized with voters, whom he felt had unknowingly relinquished their democratic power in a flawed process.
Quoting a biblical phrase, “Father Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do,” Adebayo expressed sadness over the state of democracy in Ondo and called for divine intervention to steer Nigeria towards a more transparent electoral future.
In his post, Adebayo remarked: “The Ondo State Governorship Election of yesterday is what criminologists would term as victim-less crimes: a spectacle of willing buyers @OfficialAPCNg meeting willing sellers in a perfect market that should be an example for @cenbank in the foreign exchange markets. Ondo Auction is smoother than the Dutch Auction. Four years sold so freely and openly that no one should lie that they were coerced or intimidated or browbeaten. And @PoliceNG and @inecnigeria @AIT_Online @ARISEtv @KAFTAN_TV @channelstv @NTANewsNow all witnessed it live.
“No one should pretend that they need someone to interview over this. It is in order to congratulate the buyers on their purchased ‘victory’ while shedding some tears for the sellers with the Calvary elegy that ‘Father Forgive Them For They Knoweth Not What They Do.’ God Bless Nigeria and may God Guide Ondo State.”
Adebayo’s post has since sparked conversation across the country, with calls for reform and a stronger commitment to electoral integrity in Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the reinstatement of Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Ondo State governorship election, replacing Olusola Ebiseni just hours before the vote.
The decision followed a Court of Appeal ruling which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment that had named Ebiseni as the party’s candidate.
In an official statement shared on its X handle, INEC confirmed receiving the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the appellate court’s judgment.
INEC’s statement explained that the Federal High Court in Abuja had initially directed the Commission on September 27, 2024, to recognize Ebiseni as LP’s candidate, but the Court of Appeal nullified this decision, citing jurisdictional issues.
In compliance with the appellate court’s ruling, INEC restored Festus’s candidacy, adding his name to their website as the official Labour Party nominee for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.
This unexpected development introduces a last-minute shift for the Labour Party, which has been actively preparing for a competitive election.
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