A COALITION of youth and student groups in Kano State has called on party leaders to ensure justice, equity, and loyalty in the eventual allocation of the Kano Central Senatorial ticket ahead of the next election cycle, amid speculations that the seat could be handed to former Kano State governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.
The call was contained in a statement jointly issued by the leadership of the Coalition for Better Kano, Concern Kano Citizens, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kano Axis, the National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS), and Northern Student Stakeholders. The statement was signed by Inyass Muhammad Auwal, leader of the coalition groups.
The groups said they had observed with keen interest the unfolding political developments in Kano State and felt compelled to react to rumours surrounding the possible allocation of the Kano Central Senatorial ticket to Shekarau following his recent return to the party.
According to them, while Shekarau remains highly respected as a father figure and elder statesman in Kano politics, political justice and fairness demand that loyalty and sacrifice must be rewarded.
The coalition noted that the party leadership should be guided by history, fairness, and internal equity, citing the handling of the gubernatorial ticket involving Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as an example that helped preserve party stability and respect for party structures.
“While we hold Malam Ibrahim Shekarau in high esteem as a father and elder statesman, the principles of political justice demand that loyalty must be rewarded,” the statement said.
The groups also reminded party stakeholders of individuals they said remained loyal to the party during difficult periods and invested heavily in its success.
They specifically mentioned the Deputy Governor-elect, Murtala Sule Garo, who contested alongside the party’s governorship candidate and is expected to be sworn in as deputy governor.
The coalition equally highlighted the role of Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, whom they described as a committed loyalist who contested for the Kano Central Senatorial seat in the last election and remained steadfast despite the outcome.
“With Murtala Sule Garo now settled in the executive arm, it is only natural, just, and fair that AA Zaura be given the automatic right to re-contest the Kano Central Senatorial seat,” the statement added.
The groups warned that bypassing a loyal party loyalist in favour of what they described as a “newcomer,” regardless of status or influence, would send a damaging message that sacrifice and consistency are not valued within the party.
They urged party leaders not to take any decision that history could judge as an act of ingratitude, insisting that political parties should reward commitment rather than displace loyal members for political convenience.
“To the Party Stakeholders: Do not allow for a decision that history will judge as an act of ingratitude. Let the party be seen as a platform that pays for loyalty, not one that displaces its foot soldiers for political convenience,” the statement read.
The coalition also appealed directly to Shekarau, urging him to play what they described as a fatherly and unifying role in the matter.
“To Malam Ibrahim Shekarau: We call upon you, as a father of the state, to play a paternal role. We urge you not to allow your name or influence to be used in a manner that creates a sense of injustice against those who kept the party’s light burning in your absence,” the groups stated.
They noted that although there had been no official statement yet from the governor or party leadership concerning the issue, they considered it necessary to raise concerns early in order to encourage what they described as the right political decision.
The coalition further stressed that Kano youths and students were closely monitoring developments, warning that the confidence and loyalty of young people toward the political leadership of the state depend largely on fairness, justice, and inclusiveness.
“The students and the youth of Kano are watching. Our loyalty to the progress of this state is tied to the fairness of its leaders. We await the official decision of the party, hoping it reflects the equity and justice that Kano is known for,” the statement added.