The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Taraba North, Kabiru Bandawaire, has dismissed reports alleging that he has been replaced as the party’s candidate, declaring that he remains the duly nominated flagbearer and has no intention of withdrawing from the race.
Speaking with journalists in Jalingo on Saturday, Bandawaire described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that he is the candidate recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“I will not withdraw from the senatorial race to represent Taraba North Senatorial District. I am the candidate and will not step aside for any individual,” he said.
Bandawaire also rejected claims that his candidacy had been substituted with that of the incumbent senator, Shuibu Lau, stating that neither the APC nor any relevant authority had informed him of such a decision.
“I cannot sell out the mandate given to me by the people. I am not aware of any replacement, and the party has not communicated such a decision to me,” he added.
The APC candidate argued that the Electoral Act clearly outlines the procedure for substituting candidates, stressing that a duly nominated candidate can only be replaced after voluntarily withdrawing from the contest.
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According to him, he has neither indicated any intention to step down nor submitted a withdrawal letter to the party.
“I do not look like someone who will withdraw from the race, and that mandate remains mine. The party must respect due process,” Bandawaire said.
He further described the reported substitution as undemocratic, insisting that any attempt to replace a candidate must strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Reaffirming his position, Bandawaire urged supporters and residents of Taraba North to disregard the reports.
“I wish to inform the people of Taraba that my name has not been replaced by anyone. I remain the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Taraba North and will not withdraw for anybody,” he stated.
