Multiple clusters of women supporters and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano staged a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday to express their full support for Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura's senatorial bid. The women, in a loud and unified voice, insisted that the party must give Zaura the opportunity to represent the Kano Central Senatorial District in the spirit of fairness and justice.
Protest Details
Marching through major streets of the ancient city under heavy security, the protesters declared, 'No Zaura, no vote for APC' in the Kano Central Senatorial District during the 2027 general election. The women, under the banner of the AA Zaura Women Mobilisation Forum led by Binta Rabiu Zaura, chanted 'No Zaura, no vote' while carrying placards with inscriptions such as 'Justice for AA Zaura,' 'Reward loyalty,' and 'Kano women stand with Zaura.'
Coordinator's Statement
Addressing journalists during the procession, the coordinator of the group, Binta Rabiu Zaura, said the women were demanding fairness and recognition for Zaura's contributions to the party and the people of Kano. 'We are here to tell the leadership of the APC that AA Zaura has sacrificed so much for this party and for the people. He deserves justice and fair treatment,' she said. According to her, Zaura has empowered thousands of youths and women across the state through humanitarian and business support initiatives. 'He has touched many lives, especially among women and young people. We cannot sit quietly and watch him being sidelined,' she added.
Appeal to National Leaders
The protesters also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC national leaders to intervene in the political situation in Kano and ensure what they described as a transparent and inclusive process. One of the protesters, Amina Musa, said many grassroots supporters were unhappy with recent developments surrounding the Kano Central Senatorial ticket. 'We are loyal party members, but loyalty should be rewarded. If there is no justice for AA Zaura, many people may lose interest in participating,' she said.
Political Context
The protest comes amid growing political tension within the Kano APC over the Kano Central Senatorial ticket, following the emergence of former governor Ibrahim Shekarau as the party's consensus candidate. Six aspirants vying for the same seat recently stepped down their ambitions after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's intervention to pave the way for Shekarau, whom the party has anointed as the consensus candidate. However, Zaura faulted the reconciliation meeting held in Abuja, which he claimed was ill-intended and targeted to deny him the opportunity to realize his political interest. Popularly known as AA Zaura, he distanced himself from the consensus arrangement that produced Shekarau, insisting he was not invited to the reconciliation meeting where several aspirants stepped down for Shekarau. Although Zaura asserted that he would continue to pursue his ambition under the ruling APC, he regretted that the party had simply imposed a candidate and not reached a consensus for the Kano Central Senatorial District seat.
