Dr. Adamu Aliyu, is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for Jos North-North Constituency. In this interview, he tells MUHAMMAD TANKO SHITTU, that his party is optimistic of wining Plateau state and even the presidency
As the flagbearer of the APC for Jos North-North, state constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, what are your chances of wining the election?
Our chances are by Allah’s special grace, brighter. I said ours because the APC is still liked by majority of the people not only in Jos North but the entire state. The way and manner at which our electioneering is moving, tells you that we are very much ongrouond. The people are mindful of the fact that our state is enjoying peace and tranquility, courtesy the good efforts of the APC’s led-administration, under His Excellency, Governor Simon Lalong.
A lot of good things are put in place for the people, hence, we are hopeful that we will still have edge over other parties.
Your aspiration for the North-Central zonal youth leader of the APC, culminated as flag-bearer for State Assembly, do you feel short-changed?
I first aspired for the seat of Bassa/ Jos North federal constituency, in the last February’s bye-election, which I lost out in the party primary, but to me, that is not the end of it all. As a youth, my earlier quest was motivated by clarion calls from many people, mostly the youths within the constituency, impressing it on me to contest. We lost the contest, and latter on eyed the position of the youth leader, for North Central zone, the aspiration wasn’t accomplished beacuse the position was ceded to Kwara state, on the unity list, agreed by national leaders of our great party. As youth, we have a lot to contribute to reshaping our country and so to me, opportunities like this will no longer be allowed to fizzle out without attempting at it and I am hopeful and confident that we will emerge victorious.
The occupant of the seat has been there for four consecutive terms, though he is now eying a federal seat, are you satisfied with his performance?
It is true that Rt. Honourable Ibrahim Baba Hassan, has been on the seat since 2007, from the PDP, to Labour Party and two consecutive terms on the platform of the APC. He started when he was relatively a young man, and has put in place lots of positive things for the good of his constituents. He has sponsored tens of bills, moved lots of motions and headed many house standing committees. He has been the most ranking member in the house and the only one in the history of the House to have been there for four consecutive terms, and this is to tell you that he has done very well to us as constituents. He might have some shortcomings because he is a human being and you know we are fallible, but by-and large, he has done well, empowering women and the youth.
What difference should the constituents expect, if you eventually win the election?
Team work is the first thing my constituents should expect, I mean consultative representation is a major step to put in place. We shall run an open door to directly deal with our people, in the best possible and friendly manner.
We will, Insha’a Allah, impact positive and exemplary leadership most especially on our women and youths. It is evident that many have enjoyed our support as they pursue their educational quests and it is our hope that we will use the position to further advance the genuine cause of the youth. We have in place a good plan that will ensure that the women and youth are accorded the desired attention and not only paying attention to their plight but we will make ensure that, at all levels of governance, the youth is taken along where necessary. This I hope to achieve through legislations that will go down well with our State Executive Council.
What are the open chances of the APC retaining the Government House and even having majority of seats at both State and National Assembly?
Our chances are glaring. Our governor, Simon Lalong, has within the last 7years done a good job.To begin with, peace and security, infrastructure, agric and above all, inclusive governance. The party has widespread acceptability across the 17 LGAs of the state. When you x-ray the caliber of our candidates, from the governorship candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, to his deputy Hon. Pam Botmang, to our National and State Assembly candidates, one will easily stress that we are equal to the task. Our electioneering is purely issue-based, and is so because we have good things to show and tell the people. That is why I am optimistic that come 2023, we will win the governorship, majority of seats in the House of Assembly and even that of the National Assembly.
The issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket by your party at the presidential level is seen by many as an odd that may likely mar the Tinubu/Shatima’s chwnces, what is your take?
Some politicians are indeed not worthy of being in the system. The few of them in religious-politics are bad politicians and such people have for long been fanning the embers of religiousity in politics. Our presidential candidate is neither a religious bigot nor ethnic champion. When you say the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket is an obstacle, I will tell you that it isn’t an obstacle. It is perceived to be obstacle by the few selfish members of the APC, one of whom had once betrayed the trust reposed on him by our President and turned to seek to be made the next Vice-presidential candidate. The other one thought he can gain relevance by drawing the attention of his fellow Christians, because he had lobbied to be the vice presidential candidate and lost out for lack of competence, and today, he is making all the noise. Senator Tinubu was wise enough he did his choice based on his conviction that Senator Shatima’s vast experience, competency and capabilities supperoses that of others, shortlisted him from the Northeast, but because they lost out, they are making noise. The APC will win the presidential election. I have earlier on expressed optimism that by Allah’s will and grace, we shall all win, our national, zonal and state rallies are justifications that majority of Nigerians are still with the APC. Everywhere Tinubu/Shatima goes, they are joyfully and greatly accepted, irrespective of religious, regional and sectional differences.
