The Capacity Movement has rejected the purported endorsement of former Senator Shehu Sani as a consensus candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group described the move as undemocratic, unacceptable and capable of creating political tension within the party ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
In a statement signed by its President, Shehu Sani Sado, the movement condemned what it described as an attempt by “a few coerced and carefully selected individuals” to impose a consensus arrangement on party members in Kaduna Central.
According to the statement, while endorsements remain the constitutional right of individuals and groups in a democracy, presenting such an endorsement as a consensus decision of the people of Kaduna Central was misleading.
The movement questioned how a credible consensus could emerge without broad consultations involving other aspirants and stakeholders in the race, including Yerima Shettima and Yusuf Zailani.
It also expressed concern over alleged links between the endorsement exercise and government interests, despite earlier assurances by Governor Uba Sani, conveyed through the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, that there would be no anointed candidate in the state.
“The Capacity Movement believes that democracy can only thrive where there is openness, credibility and equal opportunity for all aspirants. Any attempt to manipulate the process or sideline credible contenders will only deepen discontent among party loyalists,” the statement read.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, the national leadership of the APC and the Kaduna State chapter of the party to ensure a transparent and credible primary election process.
It insisted on the adoption of direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest, warning that any arrangement short of a free and fair process would be resisted through legitimate political and legal means.
“We wish to state clearly, unequivocally and without ambiguity that we are demanding direct primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial contest,” the statement added.
The movement further warned that imposing an unpopular candidate on the party could have serious political consequences for the APC in future elections in Kaduna Central.