A coalition of youth and student organizations in Kano State has called on party stakeholders to uphold fairness, loyalty, and internal democracy in the allocation of the Kano Central Senatorial ticket ahead of future elections.
The groups Coalition for Better Kano, Concern Kano Citizens, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Kano Axis, National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS), and Northern Student Stakeholders made their position known in a joint statement issued by their leader, Inyass Muhammad Auwal.
The statement comes amid growing speculation that the Kano Central Senatorial ticket may be allocated to Ibrahim Shekarau following his recent return to the party.
While acknowledging Shekarau as a respected elder statesman, the groups stressed that political justice requires recognition of loyalty and sacrifice.
They cited the party’s earlier decision on the gubernatorial ticket involving Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as an example of maintaining stability and respecting party structures.
According to the coalition, key figures who remained committed to the party during challenging times should not be overlooked. They specifically mentioned Murtala Sule Garo, who served as deputy governorship candidate and is set to be sworn in as Deputy Governor, as well as Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, who contested the Kano Central senatorial seat in the last election.
The groups argued that with Garo moving into the executive arm, it is only fair for Zaura to be granted an “automatic ticket” to re-contest the senatorial seat, describing him as a loyal party figure who invested significant resources and effort.
They warned that sidelining committed members in favor of returning entrants could undermine trust and send negative signals about the party’s values.
The coalition also appealed directly to Shekarau to ensure his influence is not used in a way that could create division or perceived injustice within the party.
“We urge party stakeholders to take decisions that reflect gratitude, equity, and justice,” the statement read, adding that the youth of Kano are closely monitoring developments.
The groups expressed hope that the final decision by party leadership would reinforce confidence in the party’s commitment to fairness and reward for loyalty.