Kano – Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, the governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kano State,says his nomination as the party’s flagbearer in the April elections is “an act of God”.

Abacha’s name appeared on the list of Candidates displayed by the INEC in Kano,against earlier speculations that his closest rival, Brig.-Gen.Lawal Ja’afaru was the CPC’s candidate submitted to the electoral body.

The Director-General of Abacha’s campaign organisation, Alhaji Sulaiman Mohammed,also described the acceptance of Abacha’s name by INEC as an indication of the persuit of the rule of law by the commission.

“Power belongs to God;He gives it to whomsover He so wishes and takes it whenever He so wishes,and by the grace of God, Mohammed Abacha will become the next Governor of Kano,” Mohammed added.

Other Candidates who made the INEC list for the state include former Governor of the state,Dr Rabi’u Kwankwaso (PDP) and the incumbent Deputy Governor, Alh.Abdullahi Gwarzo who is contesting on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN).

Gwarzo had earlier defected to the ACN from the ruling ANPP in the state,alleging manupulations of the Ward’s congresses.

NAN reports that Abacha’s emergence on the list prompted jubilation by his supporters who took to the streets in Kano.

In Umuahia, 15 political parties will contest the elections, following the approval of their lists by INEC.

The parties, with their governorship candidates, include Chief Paul Ikonne (ACN), Mr Onuoha Christian (ALP), Chief Reagan Ufomba (APGA), Mr Ukpabi Uchenna (AD), Mr Chukwuemeka Ikpo (ANPP), Mr Obioma Onyeaghalam (CPN), Mr Ndukwe Ndukwe (NCP) and Mr Samuel Chukwuma (CPP).

Others are Mr nwachukwu Kelechi (CDC), Mr Owanta Emenike (DFPF), Chief Theodre Orji (PDP), Mr Chikwendu James (PPP), Chief Chris Akoma (PPA), Chief Staley Ohajuruka (LP) and Mr OnuohaAkwari (NTP).

While fomer Governor of Abia, Chief Orji Kalu made the list as Abia North Senatorial candidate (PPA), Chief Ako Atuloma’s name as Governorship candidate of CPC was not displayed as the list of CPC was not released.

But Mr Edwin Enabor, INEC Public Relations Officer (PRO) said that the Commission only released names that were forwarded from the parties’ headquarters.

“It could be that names of those who did not make the list were wrongly taken to other states,” Enabor said.

Meanwhile, Chief Stanley Ohajuruka, the state governorship candidate of Labour Party has commended INEC
for the prompt release of the lists nationwide.

Ohajuruka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia that the electoral body had proved that it was determined to ensure the success of the elections.

He said although names of LP candidates in three constituencies of Ukwa East, Bende North and Aba Central had not been released, the party had taken necessary steps to remedy the situation.

Ohajuruka urged Nigerians to eschew all forms of political misgivings and unite to ensure the success of the exercise.
(NAN)