Governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State, Lawal Musa Daura, has warned that he may seek legal redress if the party fails to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act in the process of selecting its governorship candidate.
Daura made the declaration while addressing his supporters during a meeting convened to clarify reports suggesting that the ADC had already settled for a governorship candidate and that he had been advised to pursue a senatorial seat instead.
According to him, the meeting became necessary following growing concerns among his supporters over rumours surrounding the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
“There was confusion following rumours that ADC already had a governorship candidate in Katsina State and that some of us had been assigned other offices, including a senatorial seat. My supporters were worried and needed clarification,” he said.
The aspirant maintained that no valid process had yet produced a governorship candidate, insisting that the party must strictly adhere to the Electoral Act by conducting either a consensus process acceptable to all stakeholders or direct primaries.
“We have been insisting that at least one of the provisions of the Electoral Act must be complied with. That is either consensus or direct primaries. Before we arrive at any conclusion, there must be evidence that the process provided by law has been followed to the letter,” he stated.
Daura said only a transparent and lawful process would command his acceptance and that of his supporters.
“It is only after that that we can be satisfied that it has been a transparent process that has reached a logical conclusion. Then we can take a position that will guide us going forward, possibly to the general elections,” he added.
He appealed to his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts continue to address what he described as irregularities in the party’s nomination process.
“My appeal to all of them is that they should be patient, remain law-abiding and await the outcome of the efforts some of us are making in conjunction with the party leadership to correct the wrongs and arrive at a position that will be equitable, justifiable and acceptable to all of us,” he said.
Asked what options were available if the issues were not resolved, Daura pointed to the courts as a possible avenue for enforcing compliance with the law.
“If the law is not complied with, one of the things to do is to go to court and make sure that it is enforced,” he said.
He also hinted at the possibility of political realignments and strategic reviews, saying, “Another option is probably to have some realignment and review our position and the way we move forward.”
Despite the controversy, Daura ruled out abandoning his governorship ambition, arguing that Katsina State urgently needs capable leadership to tackle its mounting security and economic challenges.
“Katsina State is in dire need of rescue, security-wise, economy-wise and in every respect. We are indigenous to Katsina and we have what it takes to salvage and rescue our people,” he said.
The ADC chieftain expressed confidence in his qualifications and suitability for the office, describing his governorship ambition as a sacrifice motivated by a desire to serve the people of the state.
“I am optimistically looking forward to the process because I am qualified, even overqualified, for the position. My decision to seek the governorship is because of my love for Katsina State and my desire to rescue my people,” he said.
Daura’s remarks come amid heightened political activities within the ADC as party stakeholders continue consultations and preparations ahead of the next electoral cycle in Katsina State.
