Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, a candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairmanship, has resigned from the contest.
Shinkafi stated this at a press conference in Gusau, Zamfara, on Monday evening.
He explained that he made the choice to uphold party dominance because the position of National Chairman was designated to the North Central geographical zone.
He said: ”Zamfara is not among the states in the North Central, therefore, I cannot proceed with the contest, considering the fact that the party is supreme.
“I know what is called party supremacy, I know what is called party leadership and also know what we call respect for the stakeholders.
”And since the party has taken a decision, I have no objection to their decision.”
Shinkafi also stated that he dropped out of the contest out of respect for President Obama.
He did, however, call on the contestants to “align themselves with the party’s decision to stand strong and united ahead of the general elections in 2023.”
Shinkafi praised the support of all APC governors, ministers, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He expressed gratitude to his coordinators in all 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for their efforts in supporting his previous candidacy.
The APC National Convention will take place on Saturday, with the goal of electing new national executives to oversee the party’s operations.
A Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee are currently in charge of the party (CECPC).
Seven hopefuls had paid N20 million apiece for the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms in the hope of securing the coveted national chairmanship position.
Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, the former governor of Zamfara, is one of the seven candidates.
On Tuesday in Abuja, the Scrutinizing Committee, led by Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, is slated to begin screening all contestants.
