Three Contenders Vie for APC Ticket in Kaduna North House of Representatives

As the primary elections loom for several elective offices, three prominent individuals are competing for the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for the Kaduna North House of Representatives seat.

Those vying for the position include Abdulazeez Kaka, Samaila Sulaiman, and Bello El-Rufai.

Experts observe that each candidate brings a distinct form of influence to the race.

Kaka is recognized as a politician, businessman, and advocate for youth empowerment, having established the ‘Kowa Namu Ne’ Foundation, which emphasizes training, mentorship, and financial support for young people.

His initiatives have earned him a solid reputation among grassroots communities, with many young individuals viewing him as a practical leader prioritizing sustainable empowerment over fleeting political promises.

Kaka’s backing of the initiatives put forth by Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has bolstered his position in the APC as well.

A key advantage for Kaka is his relative inexperience in elective politics; he has not previously held any elected office, which contributes to his persona as a fresh political figure offering new ideas. Additionally, his close ties with Seyi Tinubu, President Tinubu's son, have likely enhanced his visibility and connections on the national stage.

Samaila Sulaiman is another significant contender in this constituency. He previously served as the House of Representatives member representing Kaduna North after successful elections in both 2015 and 2019.

Sulaiman is known for his strong connections at the grassroots level and his generosity, which has helped him cultivate a loyal political following.

Prior to the 2023 general elections, he switched from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to disputes with former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Although he was unsuccessful in the elections, Sulaiman has since returned to the APC and recently resigned from his role as Special Adviser on Infrastructure to Governor Uba Sani to concentrate on his bid for re-election to the House of Representatives.

Currently holding the seat for Kaduna North is Bello El-Rufai, the son of former governor Nasir El-Rufai. He secured the position in the 2023 elections under the APC banner, receiving over 51,000 votes. Bello is regarded as an intelligent and ambitious young politician with international academic experience.

The tense relationship between his father and Governor Uba Sani has introduced a level of uncertainty within the APC in Kaduna North, with some political analysts suggesting that this friction might impact Bello's chances in the primary elections.

The contest for the APC ticket appears to be highly competitive, as Sulaiman represents experience, Bello El-Rufai carries a strong political lineage, and Kaka emerges as a novel force in the political arena.

As alliances fluctuate within the APC and across Kaduna State, it is anticipated that the political competition in Kaduna North will intensify. Various factors will influence who ultimately secures the party’s nomination.