Alhaji Bashir Sai’du, a former Chief of Staff and political ally of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has pledged to deliver the 11 local government areas of Zazzau emirate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in upcoming elections. The political figure, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the assurance during a visit by Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs, Hon Isa Lawal, at his residence.
Sai’du, who served as Commissioner of Finance during the previous administration, stated that he is proving to skeptics that he did not leave the ADC alone. He claimed to have brought thousands of supporters with him to the ruling party, asserting that the results in Zaria local government will exceed past records. Specifically, he promised that the APC will secure more votes in Zaria than those cast for President Buhari in previous elections.
During the meeting, Sai’du provided specific figures regarding his coalition's strength. He noted that approximately 3,091 card-carrying members from Lere local government are in the process of joining the APC. Additionally, he estimated that around 4,000 similar supporters in other local governments are aligned with his movement, vowing to demonstrate their collective political capacity to doubters.
“I will not boast about my capacity in other areas but in the 11 local governments of Zazzau emirate, we will show our strength and no one has the kind of followers that we have,” Sai’du said.
The former Chief of Staff also highlighted his political influence in Igabi and Kaduna South local governments, stating that his base is as strong there as it is in Zaria. He emphasized that his supporters are reliable political actors rather than casual politicians, revealing that he has already joined the APC with a group of 10,000 individuals.
Sai’du explained that his group has been meeting to strategize on how to win elections, while maintaining that this effort does not preclude the state government from planning independently. He indicated a willingness to coordinate with the state government, stating that they can either blend their efforts or plan concurrently and meet at the polls when the time comes.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
