- Cites personal reasons for decision
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT – The carefully written script is panning out as expected for Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir to seamlessly have another go at the Government House as a second-term Chief Executive of the State.
As expected, the gubernatorial flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, Barr Kashim Mohammed Ibrahim has already thrown in the towel to signal his withdrawal from the race as arranged.
Though citing personal reasons for the decision, insiders confirmed that Kashim, appointed Secretary to the State Government in June 2021, was packaged as a foolproof fallback arrangement for Governor Bala in the event that the presidential project fails to pull through.
Consequently, the process has commenced for Governor Bala to retrieve the ticket and join the gubernatorial race as the ‘chosen’ PDP candidate for the 2023 general elections
The State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Yayanuwa Zainabari, who spoke on the latest development within the party, said; “Yes, I can confirm to you that, our gubernatorial candidate, Barr Kashim Ibrahim has withdrawn from the race. The only reason he gave the party is personal.
“Since he has withdrawn voluntarily, the party has no option but to accept his decision and thank him for being a loyal party member”.
On the way forward for the State ruling party, the PDP Spokesman volunteered; “We have started the process of getting a replacement for him in line with the provisions of the relevant electoral laws and guidelines. We will look into all of the laws and do the needful”.
Responding to insinuations that what is happening is a well-scripted plan by the governor and the PDP, Zainabari dismissed it as the fertile imagination of political jobbers, saying; “There is nothing of such. Our flag bearer voluntarily bought the forms, contested, and won at the primaries. Now, he has also withdrawn voluntarily. He was not coerced to take the decision. So, there is no deceit at all.”
The PDP image maker further said; “The important thing now is that the people of Bauchi State have beckoned on Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir to continue as the Governor for a second term. By the grace of God, he will be our candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.
“You know that he contested but lost the party presidential primaries. He can now return to vie for the gubernatorial ticket in order to participate as PDP’s candidate come 2023.
“In sha Allah, between today and Saturday, we will let the people know the next line of action. It could be another primary in the state or direct substitution, whichever is easier and recognized by the law is what we will do”.
Assuredly, Zainabari said the PDP is fully on course in giving good leadership and would not take the Bauchi people’s goodwill and understanding for the Governor Bala-led administration for granted being a law-abiding party. – With additional report from Tribune
