Alhaji Yerima Shettima, a leading APC aspirant for the Kaduna Central senatorial district, has denounced efforts to impose a consensus candidate, saying the move threatens both the party’s cohesion and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the region.
In a statement signed in Kaduna on Thursday, Shettima, who contests the ticket on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, warned that a “scripted consensus arrangement” could spark an internal crisis and give opposition parties an advantage in the strategically important district. He affirmed his status as a strong contender with grassroots support across the seven local government areas that comprise Kaduna Central.
Shettima alleged that former senator Shehu Sani is being positioned as the consensus candidate without a democratic process. He described the alleged endorsement as undemocratic and potentially damaging to APC unity and electoral strength in Kaduna State. “Kaduna Central cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political manipulation and back‑room deals,” he said.
The aspirant argued that bypassing direct primaries undermines internal party democracy, inclusivity and fairness. He cautioned that imposing a candidate against the wishes of party members could deepen disaffection among loyalists, creating cracks that opposition parties might exploit in the forthcoming general elections. “There is growing concern among party supporters that some forces are working to weaken the APC from within,” the statement added.
Shettima called on the APC national leadership, Governor Uba Sani and other key stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. He specifically demanded the adoption of direct primaries, insisting that party members must decide who carries the APC flag in the contest. He pledged to challenge any imposition “through every legitimate political and legal means available,” while reiterating his commitment to the party and to the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Sani.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the APC over candidate selection ahead of the 2023 elections. Kaduna Central, an electoral stronghold for the party, has historically been pivotal in determining the balance of power in northern Nigeria. Observers note that the outcome of the party’s internal contest could influence the broader political landscape in the state and potentially affect Tinubu’s influence in the region.
The APC has not yet issued an official response to Shettima’s allegations. The party is expected to announce its primary schedule in the coming weeks, a decision that will be closely watched by stakeholders seeking to gauge the stability of the ruling coalition ahead of the national elections.
