The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State on Thursday strongly denied anointing a specific individual as the preferred candidate for various elective positions ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The party, in a statement signed by the State Chairman Hon. Atiku Sankey, noted that certain unscrupulous elements are circulating baseless and unfounded rumours with the intent to create disharmony and disaffection within the party.
According to the party, there were claims alleging that APC leadership in Kaduna State and or the Governor, Uba Sani, have anointed specific individuals as preferred candidates for various elective positions ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and to set the record straight, APC remain a democratic institution founded on the principles of equity, fairness, and internal democracy, and the Kaduna State chapter is resolutely committed to upholding these values”, it emphasised.
The party added that “In line with the provisions of the Party Constitution and Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, the emergence of candidates for elective positions shall be strictly through direct primaries or consensus among aspirants”.
“As a responsible and forward-looking political party committed to unity, cohesion, and electoral competitiveness, aspirants are encouraged, where feasible, to adopt the consensus approach to foster harmony and reduce intra-party contestation.
“However, this legitimate and constitutionally recognised option is being mischievously misrepresented in certain quarters as the imposition or anointing of preferred candidates”, it stated.
The party therefore reiterated that the narrative is entirely false, misleading, and politically motivated, adding that neither the party nor Governor Uba Sani, an avowed democrat with a well-established track record in the struggle for democratic consolidation, has anointed any individual for any elective position whatsoever.
It stated that APC has not, does not, and will not anoint candidates at any level, saying the party remains firmly committed to providing a level playing field for all aspirants, urging members and the general public to disregard these unfounded claims and to refrain from circulating unauthorised or misleading information capable of undermining party unity.
The APC leadership assured that it will continue to uphold discipline and will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individual or group whose conduct is capable of bringing the party into disrepute.
