By Milcah Tanimu
A coalition comprising various Southern Kaduna Groups has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider appointing a minister from their region to challenge the prevailing dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Emphasizing their stance, the youth group highlighted the Senate’s rejection of the former Governor of the State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, and his subsequent withdrawal from consideration. They argued that his replacement should be selected from Kaduna South to restore political equilibrium.
Convening at a press conference in Abuja, Engr Ambi Geoffrey, the leader of the coalition, asserted that nominating an individual from Southern Kaduna would align with the best interests of Tinubu’s administration.
“We align ourselves with other voices within the state in advocating for the nomination of Dr. Abdulmalik Durunguwa as a Minister representing Kaduna State. This choice is based on his exceptional track record of service in both public and private spheres, coupled with his remarkable commitment to humanitarian work, particularly in the fields of peace-building and community development.”
Geoffrey continued to elaborate on Dr. Durunguwa’s contributions, mentioning his roles as the inaugural Chief Executive of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State, and his involvement in the Tinubu Campaign Council 2023 as the member responsible for contact and mobilization in the northwest. Presently, Dr. Durunguwa holds the position of National Commissioner with the National Population Commission. These roles have enabled him to effect positive change, foster unity, and fulfill his mandates impartially.
“Should Mr. President consider his appointment, it would significantly address the widening divides of religion and ethnicity that led to the Senate’s rejection of el-Rufai.”
The coalition emphasized Dr. Durunguwa’s pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the influence of the APC in Southern Kaduna, suggesting that his appointment could be the catalyst for the APC’s ascendancy and the eventual defeat of the PDP in the region.
“We are confident that Dr. Durunguwa’s inclusion in Tinubu’s administration would greatly contribute to the administration’s vision of renewed hope.”
The coalition also called on Governor Sen. Uba Sani, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, and other relevant stakeholders to support Dr. Durunguwa’s nomination, emphasizing the need for equity and justice for the southern senatorial zone of the state.
“Considering the presence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Executive Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly from Zones 1 and 2 respectively, selecting the Minister from Zone 3 is not only just but also crucial for the wellbeing of the people of the zone, particularly those affiliated with the APC,” the coalition concluded.
