Former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema has called on APC candidates who secured tickets in the party’s primary elections to embrace reconciliation and work closely with unsuccessful aspirants to preserve party unity.
Speaking to journalists after voting at Shema Ward in Dutsinma Local Government Area during the APC presidential primary election on Saturday, the former governor stressed that political contests naturally produce winners and losers, making reconciliation a necessary step for strengthening the party.
“To all those who won primary elections, they must reach out to those who lost, work with them, placate them, accommodate them, and encourage them to support the party,” he said.
Shema noted that disagreements are unavoidable in political organisations but said the ability to resolve them effectively determines the strength of the party.
“There are pockets of issues here and there. It is human. There is no human activity or human organisation that is without any issue.
“There will always be issues, but how you go about resolving them is very important.
“I believe reconciliation should start not just with the committee or government, but even those who won those seats from the primary elections,” he noted.
The former governor, who co-chaired the APC reconciliation committee with former Governor Aminu Masari, said efforts by the committee had helped address concerns raised by aggrieved members.
He also urged aspirants who failed to obtain tickets not to leave the party, expressing confidence that loyalty and commitment would eventually be rewarded.
“As long as you remain in the party and fight for the party, you eventually get something, maybe even better than the seat you’re looking for,” he said.
According to him, continued dialogue and cooperation among party members remain critical to maintaining harmony within the APC.
Commenting on the presidential primary in his local government area, Shema described the exercise as peaceful and transparent.
“It was conducted freely and fairly. We have only one sole candidate, so there is no need for arguments, rancour or misgivings.
“By the grace of Allah, President Tinubu will still emerge as the next president of Nigeria to serve a second term,” he added.
Also speaking, NEPAD National Coordinator Jabiru Tsauri attributed the high turnout of delegates in Katsina State to the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This massive turnout was due to the laudable projects executed by President Bola Tinubu in the country. I am optimistic that come 2027 general election, Tinubu will emerge victorious,” he noted.