By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State, Lawal Musa Daura, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has withdrawn from the race or agreed to contest for another position, insisting that he remains committed to his ambition of becoming the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
Daura made the clarification on Sunday 7 June 2026, while addressing supporters and journalists amid claims that the party had already reached a consensus on its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the process for the emergence of the party’s candidate had not been concluded, arguing that the procedures prescribed by the party’s constitution and Nigeria’s electoral laws had yet to be fully complied with.
“We have consistently maintained that the process must follow the provisions of the law, either through a properly conducted consensus arrangement or through direct primary elections. We are still waiting for that process to be concluded in a transparent manner,” he said.
The aspirant explained that although he was aware of other elective positions, including Senate and House of Representatives seats, he deliberately chose to contest for the governorship because of his conviction that he could contribute to addressing the challenges facing Katsina State.
“I entered the race for the governorship from the outset, and I have not changed that position. I remain fully committed to my aspiration,” he said.
Daura also expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the party’s consensus discussions among governorship aspirants were conducted, alleging that participants had not been adequately informed of how the purported agreement was reached.
“There have been claims that a consensus was achieved, but none of the five aspirants has been clearly informed of the process that produced such an outcome. Discussions went on for weeks, yet no satisfactory explanation has been provided,” he stated.
According to him, meetings held by some senior party leaders in Abuja failed to provide stakeholders with sufficient details regarding the outcome of the reconciliation and consensus efforts.
He stressed that, given his age and leadership experience, he would only support a process that is transparent, fair and in line with established rules.
“As a community leader and elder, I cannot endorse any process that lacks fairness and transparency. Due process must be followed,” he said.
Daura called on his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the resolution of the party’s internal disagreements, expressing hope that a fair and widely acceptable outcome would eventually emerge.
When asked whether he would seek legal redress if party procedures were not followed, he noted that the law provides mechanisms for addressing grievances but declined to disclose any specific course of action.
“If due process is not followed, there are legal avenues available to ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.
The ADC aspirant further said that his decision to seek the governorship was driven by concerns over the security and economic challenges confronting Katsina State.
“Katsina State is facing serious security and economic difficulties that require urgent attention. As indigenes of the state, we believe we have the capacity and responsibility to contribute to its recovery and development,” he said.
Daura expressed confidence in his ability to lead the state, stressing that his ambition is rooted in public service rather than personal interest.
He added that he would accept any outcome reached through a transparent, lawful and credible process, but insisted that he could not support a decision whose basis had not been clearly explained to stakeholders.
“I am prepared to accept any arrangement founded on truth, justice and due process. However, I cannot endorse a process whose procedures have not been made clear,” he said.
