An aspirant for the Gusau 1 Constituency seat in the Zamfara State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Umar Mahmud Umar, has announced his withdrawal from the party’s primary election, citing what he described as an unjust screening process and the failure of the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook handle, Umar rejected the “Not Cleared” status issued against his candidacy by the APC screening committee, describing the decision as vague, damaging, and misleading.
According to him, there was no discrepancy in the credentials he submitted to the party.
“The vague classification of my status as ‘Not Cleared’ is highly ambiguous, deeply confusing, and deliberately damaging to my hard-earned reputation,” he stated.
He further maintained that all documents submitted during the screening exercise were authentic, verifiable, and fully complied with the party’s requirements.
The aspirant also accused the party leadership of failing to provide explanations or allow the Appeal Committee to properly hear complaints from aggrieved aspirants.
He said the absence of transparency and feedback from party authorities informed his decision not to participate in the primary election.
Umar alleged that the exercise had been reduced to a process aimed at endorsing already selected candidates rather than conducting a democratic contest among party members.
“It is now abundantly clear that this exercise is not an actual election carried out by registered party members. Instead, it has been reduced to a mere window-dressing ceremony to affirm pre-determined individuals,” he said.
The APC aspirant further disclosed plans to join other aggrieved stakeholders in seeking legal redress over the matter.
According to him, all lawful measures would be explored to challenge what he described as injustice and to restore accountability within the process.
Despite his grievances, Umar appealed to his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, warning against any form of protest or disruption.
He expressed appreciation to supporters for their solidarity, prayers, and continued support throughout the political process.
