By Sani Idris
Former Kaduna State ALGON Chairman and one of the candidate for the Kaduna State PDP Chairmanship, Hon. Danjuma Yusuf Akuso, has stepped down from the race and endorsed the candidacy of Hon. Edward Percy Masha.
Hon. Akuso, who endorsed Masha’s candidacy on Monday during the inauguration of Masha’s Campaign Organisation in Kaduna, said that following the zoning of the Chairman position to Jema’a council in line with the zoning committee’s report, Hon. Masha stands out with the requisite experience and capacity for the job.
Speaking in the same vein, the Director of Organisation of the campaign structure, Hon. Yohanna Allahmagani, said most people in the state were in support of Masha’s candidacy due to his agenda of reunification and inclusive politics for good governance.
While inaugurating the campaign structure, Hon. Edward Percy Masha assured that if elected State Chairman, the PDP under his leadership will re-strategize, reconcile aggrieved members, and unite the party to ensure it takes back power in the state in 2027, beginning with the October 19, 2024 Local Government elections.
Masha acknowledged that the party in Kaduna, as an opposition party, has not lived up to expectations due to internal conflicts.
He emphasized that his leadership style would be inclusive, ensuring that both youth and women are not left out.
He also mentioned that all aggrieved party members would be contacted and brought to the discussion table to resolve any differences.
“My focus will be on reconciliation, unification, accommodation, and inclusivity, bringing us together as a people to work for the betterment of our party,” he said.
He stated that his experience in leadership, particularly in human resources management, has equipped him to succeed if given the mandate.
“I will use the experience, knowledge, and expertise that God has given me to ensure we work together and build the party.”
Additionally, he stressed that his accountability would be to the people and God, not to certain individuals within the party.
The state campaign secretary, Hon. Yohanna Gandu Chawai, responding to questions about their level of preparedness, stated that they are fully prepared.
“We are fully prepared. We began work long before today. We have volunteers, and we’ve been actively working. I didn’t even expect to become the secretary initially, but we are glad to enjoy a lot of goodwill from the people. Above all, the party is loved by the people, making our work a bit easier.”
“Our principal has been on the ground and has been part of every success story of the party in the state since its inception, so we are confident and not afraid of any challenges,” he added.
Another member of the campaign organization, Hon. Solomon Dauda Chawai, the coordinator for Kauru Local Government, echoed their high level of preparedness, emphasizing the strength of the candidate they are supporting.
“We are well-prepared because we know the kind of person we are working for. He is a good man, intelligent, and hardworking, and we believe he can unite the party.”
“We had started work even before this inauguration, and now we will continue even stronger,” he said.
Those inaugurated included Hon. Bashir Sakadadi as Campaign Coordinator of the Campaign Organisation, Malam Usman El-Kudan, Deputy Campaign Coordinator, Christopher Haruna, Treasurer with Yohanna Allahmagani as Director of Organisation, while Yohanna Chawai will serve as Secretary, and Manasseh Istifanus as the Media Director.
Most candidates contesting for key positions such as State Secretary, Zonal Vice Chairmen, Organizing Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Youth Leader, and Legal Adviser, among other positions, were in attendance to show support and solidarity with Masha’s candidacy as the man for the job.
