Bauchi State governorship aspirant Dr. Nura Manu has dismissed rumors suggesting a behind-the-scenes consensus among presidential-level candidates. He reaffirmed his commitment to contesting in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary. After undergoing screening by the PDP’s state screening committee on Wednesday, Manu described the process as “smooth and interactive.” He noted that the committee members posed a series of probing questions, which he answered to the best of his ability. Following the screening, he told reporters, “The Committee engagement was interactive. They asked a lot of questions, and we provided answers to the best of our ability.”
In the same interview, Manu clarified a key aspect of his campaign platform: a proposed N100 billion fund for Bauchi State. He emphasized that this fund is not intended for security spending. Instead, he plans to allocate the resources toward commercializing agriculture and supporting small-scale enterprises, initiatives he believes will drive long-term development in the predominantly agrarian state. “The N100 billion I am referring to is not for security. It is a fund I plan to bring to the state to bolster agriculture and support small businesses,” he explained.
When questioned about reports suggesting that some aspirants had reached a consensus to withdraw in favor of a single candidate, Manu stated that he was unaware of any such arrangement and firmly rejected the idea of stepping down for anyone. “I have been preparing for the elections. I have no intention of stepping down for anyone,” he affirmed. His comments come as the PDP gears up for its governorship primaries in Bauchi, scheduled for later this year. The party’s internal timeline has been accelerated following a May 2024 deadline set by the National Executive Committee for the submission of candidates’ nomination forms.
Political analysts observe that Manu’s focus on agricultural investment aligns with a broader trend among Nigerian candidates aiming to tackle chronic food-security challenges while distinguishing themselves from rivals who prioritize security rhetoric. If successful, Manu’s proposal could position Bauchi as a model for agribusiness-driven growth in the North-East. Although the PDP’s state leadership has not yet issued an official response to Manu’s statements, insiders suggest that the screening exercise is part of a larger effort to vet candidates ahead of the party’s constituency congresses.
As the primary calendar tightens, attention will be on the remaining aspirants to determine whether any consensus-building efforts will arise or if the contest will remain a multi-candidate race. Manu’s refusal to withdraw indicates that the gubernatorial primary is set to be fiercely competitive, with the N100 billion agribusiness fund likely to play a significant role in campaign discussions. The outcome of the PDP primary will significantly influence the political landscape of Bauchi State in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, where the governorship contest is expected to be a critical battleground between the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
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