Kano Central Senate Race: Zango Rejects N500m Withdrawal Claim, Insists APC Primaries Must Hold.
A frontline aspirant for the Kano Central Senatorial District seat under the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Mohammed Musa Zango, has firmly denied widespread rumours alleging that he collected N500 million to withdraw from the contest, describing the claim as “baseless, false and misleading.”
Dr. Zango made the clarification on Friday while addressing journalists, supporters, and political associates shortly after arriving at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
“There was a rumour, accusation or even speculation in the media that we, the aspirants, were given N500 million each to withdraw from the race,” Zango stated.
“I want to categorically and specifically mention to you, my followers, our supporters and colleagues here present, that I was not given one single kobo to withdraw from the contest. I was not given anything.”
The aspirant stressed that his political ambition is driven by development priorities rather than financial inducement.
“My priority is not money; my priority is what opportunities are there for us to support, contribute, and bring about development and progress to Kano Central,” he said, highlighting agriculture, healthcare, education, and employment as key areas requiring legislative attention.
Dr. Zango also clarified the controversial consensus discussions surrounding the APC Kano Central ticket, stating that the process remains inconclusive and cannot replace constitutional procedures required by the party and electoral law.
According to him, aspirants met in the presence of Abba Kabir Yusuf, APC State Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa and other stakeholders, where discussions were held regarding former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau.
However, he maintained that the discussions were ongoing and did not amount to the final conclusion of a lawful consensus arrangement.
“All of us signed with the understanding that the discussion is ongoing because that is not the end of the consensus,” he explained.
Zango further raised concerns that some individuals linked to the discussions reportedly did not even purchase nomination forms, despite being associated with the senatorial contest.
The development comes amid increasing pressure within sections of the APC for transparent primaries across all elective positions following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that aspirants must participate in lawful primaries in line with the party constitution and Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.
Political observers say the Kano Central contest is rapidly becoming one of the most closely watched APC senatorial battles ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly amid growing resistance to alleged imposition and opaque consensus arrangements within the party.
The National Patriots have commended Dr. Mohammed Musa Zango for publicly rejecting rumours of financial inducement to abandon the Kano Central Senate race, describing his position as a positive signal for democratic accountability within the APC. The group urged all aspirants nationwide to test their political strength through transparent primaries, insisting that credible contests — not imposition or opaque arrangements — strengthen party legitimacy and democracy.
Dr. Imran Khazaly.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
