By Our Correspondent
Senator Uba Sani has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries for the 2023 elections in Kaduna State.
He defeated two other aspirants – Sani Sha’aban and Bashir Abubakar – in the race.
The result showed that Uba Sani polled 1,149 votes, Abubakar garnered 37, while Sha’aban polled 10 votes.
Uba Sani is an incumbent senator representing Kaduna Central. He is a long-time associate of Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i.
He was a civil society activist during Nigeria’s military rule in the nineties when he was a close associate of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Uba Sani began by thanking the almighty Allah “for making all of us witness this day, Alhamdu lillah.”
He added, “My profound appreciation to the party members across the 23 Local Government Areas. Your support and encouragement have been wonderful. May the almighty God reward you all abundantly.
“I would also like to thank our leader and mentor, His Excellency the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, for his admirable leadership style and the role he played in making this entire process a fair and democratic one.
“I must also specially thank the delegates who have voted overwhelmingly in my favour today. I am very very grateful.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to all our APC party members both at the national and state, INEC, security agencies and everyone who has played a role in making today a success. May Allah reward you abundantly.
“For long we waited for this moment. By the special grace of God we are witnesses to this glorious moment. I am deeply humbled and delighted to stand before this distinguished gathering of our party delegates, top officials and supporters to deliver this acceptance speech.
“This is your victory. This is your moment. This is the beginning of the journey of consolidation and continuity. We shall build on the wonderful legacies of our dear leader, the irrepressible Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i. Together we shall tackle our challenges and forge unity among our people.”
Sani added: “Today’s governorship primary is a showpiece of superb organisation, display of decency, patience and discipline by delegates. We have shown that we believe in democracy and are ready to follow the rule of law and due process.
“Democracy is about participation. Once people are allowed to express their free will, the process and outcome is a beauty to behold.
“I therefore thank my co-contestants, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sha’aban and Alhaji Bashir Abubakar, for their belief in the democratic process. I will reach out to these great politicians and strategists and extend my hand of fellowship to them. I would deeply appreciate it if they can work together with me to take Kaduna State to higher heights.
“My special appreciation goes to our dear delegates for this rare privilege of presenting me as this great party’s flag bearer. This is one opportunity I will not take for granted and rest assured of my commitment to work diligently every day and every night.
“To our governor, Nasir El-Rufai, I say a big thank you. You are a mentor like no other. I will continue to drink from your fountain of knowledge and wisdom.
“We are poised to take Kaduna State to higher heights. We shall not fail our people. God bless you all.”
