By Imam Moromoke
As the 2023 elections draws nearer, political parties are warming up for primary elections that would produce candidates for various elective positions. Consequently, various pro-APC groups across Asa/Federal Constituency of Kwara State have been declaring their solidarity with the candidacy of Mallam Muktar Shagaya.
The Party stakeholders hinged their decision on the conviction that Shagaya is a determined, young, vibrant and capable hand that will deliver effective representation and instill lasting change in the Federal Constituency.
The APC Ilorin West Woman Leader, Alhaja Zainab Isiaka, confirmed that “indeed a Shagaya candidacy is going to begin to send a message of a very real alternative to the way things have been operating for a long time.”
Similarly, courtesy visits to other groups from around llorin West/Asa Federal constituency have given way for more endorsements as they receive Shagaya with warmth and encouragement justifying their rationale.
“We really feel that it’s important that we have someone in office who really champions those values and is not dismissive to the constituents’ true interests or, to the rural inhabitants, especially in Asa Local Government Area or to the progress of our party and really puts forth the voice of the people in the llorin West/Asa Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives,” said APC Executive Members, Asa Local Government.
“Shagaya is running a campaign on progressive themes, pledging to make the constituency more equitable and address issues ranging from ineffective representation to lack of general welfare. We are committed to supporting Mallam Muktar Shagaya and we believe he is endowed with the required capacity to represent the good people of Ilorin West/West Federal Constituency,” Ilorin West APC Elder, Alhaji Baba Olosasa emphasized.
Following a visit to the Coalition Kwara APC Young Stakeholders (CKAYS), the group called on Mallam Muktar Shagaya to never get distracted from his bid to run for the House of Representatives in the upcoming 2023 election to represent Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency as he has shown enough experience and capacity to solve the numerous challenges the constituency is facing.
“We will mobilise stakeholders, party men and women, and electorate across the constituency to ensure that Shagaya emerges as the llorin West/Asa Federal House of Representatives standard-bearer of the ruling party and elected Honorable Member of House of Representatives subsequently,” the group leader, Jimoh Idris, assured.
The market women also gave their full support stating their pledge to getting more politically iinvolved as they believe Shagaya is a reliable personality that can assist in dealing with issues such as housing, education, transportation and health while getting the youth on board.
On Wednesday, May 11′ 2022, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) honored Shagaya as the Keynote Speaker at their leadership and retreat summit. Shagaya reiterated his determination to serve his constituency wholeheartedly noting that his experience both within and outside the country, as well as in public and private sectors are key to his deep understanding of the plights of the people and metric-based approach at problem solving.
“I want to represent my people in Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency because I believe I have the competence, the character, and what it takes. I am not contesting for the office of the House of Representatives because I believe it is a simple task. I tell you, I have been preparing for this for a long time and I believe I am qualified to bring about change in Nigeria. My dream is for Nigeria to be able to stand competitively amongst other countries and that begins with incremental change” he said.
The President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) further gave his support as he endorsed Shagaya; “The time for youth is now, and Mallam Muktar Tolani Shagaya is a reliable personality and the youth would be happy having him as their face in leadership”.
As Mallam Muktar continues to garner support in his bid to represent his constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, all the 50 Zonal Chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC), have publicly and unanimously endorsed Shagaya as their preferred candidate.
The group stated that their allegiance is supported by historical facts, the principle of justice and equity as well as the concept of brotherhood.
Additionally, the Magaji Ngeri Constituency Elders Forum have also given their seal of approval as Mallam Muktar SHAGAYA as their candidate.
The Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Kawu Fada, said, “you will see our people solidly coming out to persuade the rest of the constituents to vote for Muktar Shagaya. The elders believe a Shagaya candidacy can easily win over the trust of the rest of our constituency, unite the people, build a productive environment whilst working to existing socioeconomic problems”.
