By Terna Chikpa
The Taraba North senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Kabiru Bello Badawaire, on Saturday said he would not withdraw from the race for any individual contesting for the position.
Badawaire also stated that he was duly elected and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and remains the APC candidate for the Taraba North Senatorial District.
He dismissed claims circulating in the media that the party had replaced him with the incumbent senator, Shuaibu Isa Lau, as the party’s candidate for the position.
“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.
“I cannot sell out the mandate given to me by the masses. I am not aware of any replacement, and the party has not communicated such a decision to me,” Badawaire said.
The APC senatorial candidate stated that Section 29 of the Electoral Act clearly stipulates that a duly nominated candidate can only be replaced if he or she voluntarily withdraws from the race in accordance with the law.
“I do not look like someone who will withdraw from the race, and the mandate remains mine. The party must respect due process.
“The claim that I have been replaced is undemocratic. A candidate can only be replaced after being properly informed and if he or she willingly communicates a decision to withdraw from the contest.
“I wish to inform the people of Taraba that my name has not been replaced by anyone.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,” Badawaire stated.