Niger governor, Aliyu, joins senatorial race

Babangida Aliyu, governor of Niger state, has obtained an expression of intent form for the Niger east senatorial district on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aliyu’s form was bought by an organisation, Talba Support Movement (TSM), at the party’s state secretariat in Minna.

Hamisu Jankaro, TSM coordinator, said Aliyu’s candidature would continue the struggle of the north.

“As he [Aliyu] steps into the senate chambers, the struggle for the emancipation of the north will continue. He has the experience as a governor and the chairman of the northern states governors forum,” Jankaro told NAN.

The PDP Zone B caucus earlier zoned the senatorial seat to Minna emirate where Aliyu hails from.

Addressing the caucus meeting, Mamman Gambo, chairman of the zone, said zoning of political offices had been a longstanding practice.

“This tradition started way back in 1979 during the National Party of Nigeria period. Principal offices are shared among emirates,” he said.

“We want this to continue for cohesion and fairness. Today’s meeting is to ratify and put on record this decision for posterity.”

Various participants at the meeting agreed on the arrangement and called for selection of credible and people-friendly candidates.