By Abubakar Ojima-ojo
The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Bilyaminu Yusuf Shinkafi, has expressed appreciation to the people of the state for the massive reception accorded him during his visit to Gusau last week for the inauguration of the party’s presidential and governorship campaign offices.
Shinkafi described the overwhelming show of support and solidarity as a clear indication of the people’s desire for a new direction in the state, expressing confidence that the ADC would secure victory in the forthcoming elections, by God’s grace.
In a statement signed on Monday, the governorship candidate thanked supporters, party members, youths, women and other residents who turned out to welcome him, saying their enthusiasm had strengthened his determination to offer purposeful leadership.
He said, “The love shown to us by the good people of Zamfara State is massive. We are encouraged by the support and confidence they have demonstrated in our movement.
“We are coasting to victory by the grace of God, and nobody can stop the plans of God for Zamfara State.”
Shinkafi urged residents to sustain the momentum by mobilising more supporters and strengthening the party’s grassroots structures across the 14 local government areas of the state.
He called on the electorate to unite behind the ADC to rescue Zamfara from what he described as the All Progressives Congress-led administration’s style of governance, which he accused of concentrating power in the hands of a few individuals.
According to him, governance should be driven by consultation, accountability, inclusiveness and a commitment to improving the welfare of the people, rather than the decisions of a single individual.
“The government belongs to the people, and the people must have a voice in how they are governed. Running a state as a one-man show is not the beauty of democracy or good governance,” he said.
The ADC candidate urged party faithful and supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to democratic participation as political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections.
He also called on residents to continue spreading the party’s message of change and mobilising eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process.
Shinkafi reaffirmed his commitment to providing responsive leadership, insisting that the people of Zamfara deserved an administration that would listen to their concerns, prioritise their welfare and work towards a safer and more prosperous state.
He expressed optimism that sustained grassroots mobilisation and the collective determination of the people would strengthen the ADC’s chances in the forthcoming governorship election.
