Katsina APC aspirant alleges unfair exclusion from primary

An All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirant, Ahmed Saleh, has alleged that he was unfairly excluded from the party’s House of Representatives primary election in Katsina State.

Saleh, popularly known as Ahmed Saleh Junior, made the allegation while reacting to the outcome of the primary election held in Mani on Saturday.

He said he was initially endorsed by stakeholders after the APC adopted a consensus arrangement in the constituency.

The aspirant claimed his name was included in the party’s list following the endorsement and that stakeholders had supported his candidacy.

He, however, said the consensus arrangement was later cancelled, leading to a fresh process conducted by a committee set up by the party.

Saleh alleged that a subsequent voting exercise was held, in which he claimed to have secured majority support from stakeholders, but said the result was later altered.

He further alleged that he was prevented from participating in the final stage of the process due to restrictions placed on him during the election.

According to him, the primary proceeded in his absence, and results were announced without his participation.

Saleh said the party had set up an elders’ committee to look into complaints arising from the exercise.

He expressed confidence that the committee would address grievances and ensure fairness.

A government official in Katsina, however, said the state government was not aware of any claim of detention involving the aspirant.