The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Abdulkeem Abdussalam Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, has pledged to deploy his financial resources, political structures, and supporters in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Senator Malam Ibrahim Shekarau.
Zaura’s declaration comes after he lost the APC ticket for Kano Central Senatorial District to Shekarau under a consensus arrangement, a development he says will not affect his commitment to the party or its candidates.
Speaking in an interview, the politician dismissed suggestions that his inability to secure the senatorial ticket could lead to political disengagement, stressing that party unity and collective interests should take precedence over individual ambitions.
“My full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my full support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and my 100 per cent full support for Senator Ibrahim Shekarau,” he declared.
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He pledged to contribute his time, money, and political influence to the APC’s campaign, saying he would work for the party’s success with the same commitment expected of a candidate.
“We will do our best as if we are contestants. Where it is necessary to spend our own money for the party, we will do so. Our time will be given 100 percent, as if we are contestants,” Zaura said.
His position highlights the importance of managing internal competition and sustaining cohesion within political parties as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
Zaura described the struggle for party tickets as a normal feature of democratic politics, urging aspirants who fail to secure nominations to support those selected and remain open to future opportunities.
“In any position, one person must win. If you are not given the opportunity to contest at a particular time, you either have to be patient or wait for your time,” he stated.
He cautioned politicians against allowing personal disappointment to undermine party unity, arguing that political opportunities could come in subsequent election cycles.
“If it is not you, it is another person. Wish him well, support him and support the party. Tomorrow, another year, somebody may do the same for you,” he said.
Zaura said that excessive personal ambition could lead to political miscalculations, maintaining that losing a ticket should not be regarded as rejection by the party.
“Whenever you are selfish, whenever you think it must be you at any time, you make mistakes,” he added.
Recalling his political experience in 2023, when he was selected to contest the same senatorial seat, Zaura said political fortunes could change and urged aspirants to exercise patience when they are not nominated.
He said his immediate priority was to engage stakeholders, mobilise supporters and strengthen the APC’s political structures across Kano State, while encouraging his followers to support the party’s candidates at all levels.
Beyond electoral politics, the APC chieftain has dismissed claims that his initiative to tackle drug abuse, youth involvement in crime, and related social challenges in Kano State has been abandoned.
He explained that the programme was undergoing preparatory work, including a comprehensive study involving traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, academics, business representatives and other stakeholders.
According to Zaura, the initiative is designed to provide a coordinated response to drug abuse and youth vulnerability through rehabilitation, counselling, vocational training and the reintegration of recovering individuals into their families and communities.
“We have not stopped. The process is ongoing 100 per cent, and soon people will start hearing about it,” he said.
He disclosed that part of the study had been received, while the complete report was expected before the end of October.
A stakeholders’ meeting would subsequently review the findings and determine the implementation framework.
Zaura said local and international experts would be involved, adding that the programme would accommodate contributions from people across political, religious and professional backgrounds.
“Our approach is completely different. We bring everybody on board. Every single person, irrespective of where you belong to, has a contribution to make,” he stated.
He explained that the intervention would identify beneficiaries according to their individual needs, with some supported to return to school and others provided with vocational training to improve their prospects of economic independence.
Zaura further disclosed that a medication-based component was under consideration but would be subjected to appropriate professional assessments and regulatory approval before being introduced.
He emphasised that the initiative was a community-based intervention rather than a political project, saying its benefits would extend beyond APC members and supporters.
“It has nothing to do with political parties or politics. As far as we live in our community, it is our responsibility, and everybody is a beneficiary,” he said.
Zaura reaffirmed his commitment to supporting APC candidates in 2027, urging politicians and their supporters to put aside personal differences and work collectively for their party while pursuing future political opportunities.
