Shehu Sani accuses el-Rufai of organising ‘kangaroo’ senatorial primary election

Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, has accused Nasir el-Rufai, the governor, of organising a “kangaroo” primary election in the senatorial district.

The national working committee (NWC) of the party had initially given an automatic ticket to the lawmaker but it was revoked following a protest by el-Rufai.

Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), subsequently included the name of Uba Sani, the preferred candidate of the governor, on the list of those contesting for the ticket of the APC in Kaduna central.

Shortly after this, el-Rufai said the fate of the senator lay in the hands of delegates of the APC.

But in a statement on Friday night, the legislator said he had been informed that the governor was organising a primary aimed at imposing Uba Sani on the party.

He vowed not to be part of the exercise and directed his supporters to stay off the venue.

“This is to totally disassociate myself with the reported Kangaroo APC primary election organised by Governor Elrufai this night,” the statement read.

“I cannot be part of a fraud scripted by Elrufai aimed at imposing his aide,UBA SANI. The Governor’s opposition to direct primaries is all about giving him the opportunity to impose his stooges and lackeys.

“I directed that no person or group of person should represent me as agents in the nightly conducted primaries.

“I acknowledged receipt of court summon from Kaduna State High court filled by the Governor’s aide Uba Sani where an order was granted to maintain the status quo until 15th October 2018. I communicated to the national chairman of the party and a formal legal response was made by my Legal Counsel in conjunction with the Party’s National legal adviser.

“I was neither formally informed nor involved in the said fake primaries. I call on all my supporters and well wishers to stay away from such concoction.”