Bauchi State governorship aspirant Dr Nura Manu has dismissed rumours of a behind‑the‑scenes consensus among presidential‑level candidates and reiterated his intention to continue contesting the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary.
Manu, who was screened by the PDP’s state screening committee on Wednesday, described the process as “smooth and interactive.” He said committee members asked a series of probing questions, which he answered to the best of his ability. “The Committee engagement was interactive. They asked a lot of questions and we provided answers to the best of our ability,” he told reporters after the screening.
In the same interview, Manu clarified a key component of his campaign platform – a proposed N100 billion fund for Bauchi State. He stressed that the money is not earmarked for security spending. Instead, the aspirant intends to channel the resources into commercialising agriculture and supporting small‑scale enterprises, projects he says 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 asked about reports that some aspirants had reached a consensus to step aside for a single candidate, Manu said he had no knowledge of any such arrangement and rejected the notion of withdrawing in favour of anyone. “I have been preparing for the elections. I have no intention of stepping down for anyone,” he affirmed.
Manu’s comments come as the PDP prepares for its governorship primaries in Bauchi, scheduled for later this year. The party’s internal calendar has been tightened after the National Executive Committee set a May 2024 deadline for the submission of candidates’ nomination forms.
Political analysts note that the aspirant’s emphasis on agricultural investment reflects a broader trend among Nigerian candidates seeking to address chronic food‑security challenges while differentiating themselves from rivals who focus heavily on security rhetoric. If successful, Manu’s proposal could position Bauchi as a model for agribusiness‑driven growth in the North‑East.
The PDP’s state leadership has not yet issued an official response to Manu’s statements, but insiders indicate that the screening exercise was part of a wider effort to vet candidates ahead of the party’s constituency congresses.
As the primary calendar tightens, all eyes will be on the remaining aspirants to see whether any consensus‑building attempts will emerge or whether the contest will remain a multi‑candidate race. Manu’s refusal to bow out suggests that the gubernatorial primary will continue to be fiercely competitive, with the N100 billion agribusiness fund likely to feature prominently in campaign debates.
The outcome of the PDP primary will shape the political landscape of Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections, where the governorship contest is expected to be a key battleground between the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
