Photo: Former Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI),Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, addressing his supporters, during the stakeholders meeting with representatives of statewide support groups and associations, held at his Gubernatorial Campaign Office Keffi on Saturday.
Days after the endorsement of Senator Ahmed. Aliyu Wadada by Governor AbdullahiSule, a former Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)’ Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna on Saturday reiterated that he is ready for APC primaries in Nasarawa State.
He said he won’t step down for Wadada after stakeholders’ backing.
Haruna made this known at a consultative meeting in Keffi with stakeholders and support groups drawn from the three senatorial zones, where he sought their direction on whether to proceed with his ambition or step down.
He told the gathering that his decision would be guided by the outcome of the consultation.
“If you are resolved that we shall accept the verdict and withdraw from this struggle, I will vote ‘aye. If the decision of this meeting is that we shall go to the primaries, that is not my problem. That is the essence of this meeting,” he said.
The party leaders, after deliberations across the zones, eventually resolved that he should remain in the race and test his popularity at the party’s primaries.
The former EVC said his approach was informed by the need to carry along those who had supported his political structure over time.
He said: “When the government announced its decision, the aspirants in this forum agreed that we will consult our supporters and critical stakeholders and then take a unanimous decision. That is the reason why you did not hear from me.
“Your verdict has determined our next line of action and I hereby accept to contest the primaries and we will be having our rally on Wednesday”.
Defending his right to contest, and citing his role in the formation and growth of the ruling party, he said, “I provided financial support to the Congress for Progressive Change and the establishment of the party. Some chairmen and officials are alive to attest to how we supported the establishment of party offices across local governments.
“I started my APC from the national. If this forum succeeds, even if I am not the governor, I should celebrate it because it is my initiative,” he said.
He also referenced the ongoing succession debate, arguing that earlier expectations around a preferred successor had not been met.
“We gave a blanket cheque that the governor could select anyone among those that would have our support based on certain expectation, but the situation has changed,” he said.
Haruna said his decision to consult stakeholders was also informed by their contributions to his political structure.
“We are not disobedient to constitutional authority. We are in the party and we are working for its success. If the primaries are free, fair and transparent, we will accept whatever Allah has decided as the verdict,” he said.
The stakeholders were emphatic urging him to proceed to the primaries, citing zoning equity and his record in public service.
Suleiman Amgbashi, who spoke for Nasarawa Senatorial North (Akwanga) said support for Haruna was tied to the need for micro-zoning within Nasarawa West.
The aspirant also addressed the issue of the governor’s preferred candidate, noting that while the government had indicated a direction, the process should allow broader participation.
“The government has spoken in many fora, describing the character and attitude of the person that will succeed. At the end of the day, when he selected somebody, the person was disqualified early based on those expectations’,” he said.
He also dismissed claims questioning his political resolve, saying, “Some people spread all sorts of rumours. Some said I have no faith. No, I am demonstrating my faith by doing the right thing. The essence of this meeting is to hear from you’,” he said.
Haruna’s position followed the verdict of stakeholders from the three senatorial zones, who endorsed his participation in the primaries, citing his capacity as demonstrated in previous public and private sector roles.
From the Southern zone, Barrister Ibrahim Adega said the position was unanimous across the three senatorial districts, stressing that the absence of consensus necessitates a contest.
“The governor has a preferred candidate, but that does not automatically make the candidate the choice of everyone. Since there is no consensus, there must be a contest. We told him clearly to go to the primary,” he said, adding, “We are ready for the contest.”
Adega said the endorsement was anchored on verifiable performance and leadership traits, “Our position is evidence-based. The projects and contributions are there for people to see, you can verify. He is loyal and disciplined and does not act outside laid-down processes,” he noted.
From the Keffi axis in Nasarawa West, Suleyman Amgbashi said the backing for Haruna was also driven by equity concerns within the zoning arrangement.
“When you do something, there should be micro-zoning. Some local governments have already produced governors. If the position is zoned to Nasarawa West, fairness demands that other local governments be considered,” he said.
He identified Karu Local Government as a case in point. “It is only fair to consider areas that have not benefitted,” he said.
Amgbashi also cited Haruna’s record in public service. “He is a professor with experience, with visible actions and tangible projects across the country. His track record as a public servant is not in doubt,” he said.
Similarly, former APC chairman in Keffi Local Government, Mohammad Bello, said Haruna’s grassroots appeal and impact distinguish him among aspirants.
“When we look at aspirants and their pedigree, we have not seen any as impactful. The support base is deep and wide,” he said.
Also speaking, Rev. Dr. Pastor Benjamin Baka from Nasarawa West described Haruna as a leading aspirant, pointing to his record before entering politics.
“Mohammed Sani Haruna is a frontline aspirant. He has achieved a lot, and he made these achievements while he was DG/CEO of NASENI, even before he could contemplate becoming a politician,” he said.
Baka added that support for Haruna reflects public confidence across communities, noting, “The people of Nasarawa State have passed a vote of confidence on Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna as the next governor of the state. By God’s grace, he is already the next governor of the state”.
Following the verdict of the stakeholders, Haruna said he would abide by the stakeholders’ position, saying, “Your verdict has determined our next line of action and I hereby accept to contest the primaries and we will be having our rally on Wednesday”.
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