The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has replaced Hon. Samaila Abdu Suleiman with Abdulazeez Kaka as its final candidate for the Kaduna North Federal Constituency, following a review of appeals arising from the party’s primary elections.
The decision was reportedly taken by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), which reviewed complaints and appeals concerning the conduct and outcome of the primaries.
Suleiman, believed to be an ally of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, was dropped in favour of Kaka. However, as of the time of filing this report, the former candidate had not publicly issued an official statement on his replacement.
The development comes amid continuing political activity within the Kaduna APC as the party finalises its candidates for the forthcoming elections.
Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, has dismissed speculation that he may defect from the APC after losing the party’s ticket for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District.
Zailani, who contested for the senatorial ticket but lost to consensus candidate Shehu Sani, said he remained committed to the party, regardless of its decisions concerning the distribution of tickets.
Speaking in an interview with a local radio station monitored by Sunday Sun, the former Speaker also expressed reservations about reports circulating on social media concerning the distribution of nomination forms, saying there had been no official confirmation.
“I saw on social media that forms had been issued, but there is no official confirmation of what type of forms they are,” he said.
Zailani further maintained that political power was ultimately determined by God, stressing that neither party primaries nor other political arrangements could override divine will.
“I always tell our supporters that elections are in God’s hands. Whether the party conducts primaries or not, if God has destined someone to emerge, it will happen. God is the one who gives power,” he stated.
Addressing rumours that he might leave the APC if he failed to secure the party’s senatorial ticket, Zailani rejected the suggestion, describing the APC as his political home.
“Why should I leave the APC? I have spent many years in this party. I won five elections into the Kaduna State House of Assembly, served as Chief Whip, Deputy Speaker, Speaker, and even Acting Governor of Kaduna State,” he said.
He argued that losing a party ticket was not sufficient reason to abandon an organisation to which he had devoted many years of political service.
“It would not be right to abandon the party simply because I did not get a ticket. APC is my home, and I will work for its victory in the next election,” he added.
The former Speaker also recalled the 2023 general elections, noting that some politicians who failed to secure party tickets subsequently attempted to work against the APC.
According to him, those actions did not succeed, and he urged party supporters to remain united and committed despite disappointments arising from the selection of candidates.
Zailani’s remarks come as the APC navigates internal political negotiations and disagreements over candidate selection in Kaduna State.
While the replacement of Suleiman with Kaka has raised questions about the party’s internal appeal process, Zailani’s position signals his intention to remain within the APC and support its candidates in the forthcoming elections.
