The Executive Director of the National Inland Waterways Resources Management Company, Dr. Abdulmumini Zaria, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary race for the Kaduna Central senatorial district, paving the way for former Senator Shehu Sani to become the party’s likely candidate.
In a statement on Wednesday, Zaria, a federal appointee, said he stepped down after three years of consideration to concentrate on his national service duties and support the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. He described the decision as a response to “a higher calling to service,” sacrificing personal ambition for what he termed national duty.
“The ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration require total commitment from public officials,” Zaria stated, adding that his current role demands his full attention for effective service delivery. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Sani, calling him a “committed leader” and pledging support for the state’s “SUSTAIN” development agenda. Zaria urged his supporters to redirect their energy toward the APC, framing his exit as strengthening party unity and eliminating distractions.
Zaria’s withdrawal effectively clears the path for Shehu Sani, who is expected to emerge as the consensus APC candidate for Kaduna Central. Political observers note that this development could consolidate the party’s support in the district and mitigate internal tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move is seen as aligning with Governor Sani’s preferred candidate, potentially presenting a united front for the APC in the region.
In his statement, Zaria expressed confidence that combined party efforts would ensure the success of both the federal government and the Kaduna State administration. He urged continuity, saying, “This is not an end, but a redirection towards greater service to the nation and the state.”
The National Inland Waterways Resources Management Company, under Zaria’s leadership, is a key federal agency responsible for regulating and developing Nigeria’s inland waterways. His continued focus on this role underscores the Tinubu administration’s emphasis on economic diversification through infrastructure.
The APC now moves toward finalizing its candidate for Kaduna Central, a strategically important district in the state’s political landscape. With Zaria out of the race, the party’s candidate selection process is expected to proceed without major contest, aiming for cohesion in a state where the opposition remains a significant force. The outcome will set the stage for the senatorial contest in the 2027 elections, with implications for the balance of power in Kaduna and the region’s representation in the National Assembly.
