A former governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Farouk Mustapha, has debunked reports linking him to a purported vice-presidential nomination by the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde.

Mustapha, in a statement on Friday, described the reports circulating on social media as false, insisting that no discussion had taken place between him and the APM presidential candidate regarding such an arrangement.

He said, “My attention has been drawn to speculations making the rounds on social media alleging that the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement is considering me as his running mate in the forthcoming election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that no such arrangement has been discussed with me, nor have I given my consent to any such proposition.”

The former governorship aspirant stated that he remained content with whatever position God had destined for him and had not held talks with anyone within the party concerning the vice-presidential slot.

“At no point have I had any discussion with anyone, whether within the APM or with its presidential candidate, regarding the position of running mate. Therefore, any claim suggesting that I have agreed to such an arrangement is entirely false and without foundation,” he said.

Mustapha explained that the clarification became necessary following enquiries from journalists, supporters and associates who had contacted him about the reports.

Citing a Hausa proverb, “Kowa ya san matar auren sa” (everyone knows his own bride), he said it was important to clear the air for the benefit of those concerned by the speculation.

He urged his supporters, friends, well-wishers and residents of Bauchi State to disregard the reports, describing them as mere rumours.

The politician further disclosed that he is currently in Saudi Arabia, where he is engaged in prayers and seeking divine guidance on his future political direction.

He thanked his supporters for their concern, support and prayers.

A Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, senatorial aspirant in Edo South, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, has regretted leaving the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the NDC, saying it is like a movement from frying pan to fire.

Appearing on Arise News’ News Day on Friday afternoon, the former House of Representatives member claimed that he won the senatorial ticket in the primary election but is now being denied the opportunity to appear on the ballot.

The former governorship aspirant also said it was the national leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, that encouraged him to pick the senatorial expression of interest and nomination forms but has now denied ever speaking to him about it.

Agbonayinwa, who left the APC for the NDC, said, “I’ve moved from frying pan to hell fire. We had the direct primary after we couldn’t reach a consensus. They kept us in the room at the time with all other contestants for us to step down for each other, and we couldn’t do that.

“We went through rigorous processes. I understand that they are new, but I have never experienced this being with APC or being with PDP. Never. Where people were asked to go for primary… May 29 was the day the primary was conducted today is June 5 and elections have not been announced.

“The national leader of NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, a very good friend and a brother to me for many years. We are colleagues. He was the governor, now senator, a brother I respect dearly. When we were to leave NDC, I called him. He sent it to me and said, I should come to the house.

“I went to his house and he said, “Why can’t you go to the Senate under NDC? I say I will think about it, and for me, I was going for the House of Reps but when he offered that, I started thinking, I say I will consult with my leaders, which I did, and I told him, thank you. But to my greatest surprise, the same man who asked me to go and buy the form, this morning we had a meeting and he said he never said so.”

There was tension in Kofan Kaura, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Friday as residents were seen burning the 2027 senatorial election posters of Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The visibly angry residents also burnt flags of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and some bunches of brooms, a symbol of the party.

The short video of the incident was accompanied by the statement – “We reject rigging’, ‘We reject imposition.”

DAILY POST reports that Governor Sule reversed an earlier position where he vowed on national television not to seek any elective office after completing his tenure.

The governor, who is serving his second and final term, is vying for the Nasarawa North senatorial seat in next general elections.

He won the Nasarawa North APC senatorial primary election after polling 47,393 votes to defeat his rival, Silas Agara, who got a total of 2,915 votes.

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