APC Aspirant Yusuf Bala Ikara Launches Kaduna North Senatorial Campaign, Demands “Justice” in Candidate Selection

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

An aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Kaduna North Senatorial District, popularly known as Zone One, Yusuf Bala Ikara, has officially launched his campaign in Zaria, calling for fairness and transparency in the party’s candidate selection process.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters at the zone’s headquarters on Wednesday, Ikara said rural communities were demanding “justice” in how candidates are chosen, whether through consensus arrangements or party primaries.

He said his previous experience as a federal lawmaker gives him the capacity to represent the district effectively.

“I know the job because I was a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ikara and Kubau local government areas for eight years, so I know the job without any doubt,” he said. “I am truly assuring everyone that I am qualified to be a senator to represent the people of Zone One.”

Ikara pledged not to betray the trust of his constituents if elected, urging supporters to remain committed to the party process.

He also encouraged APC members to mobilise at the grassroots level and ensure they obtain their party membership cards, which he said would be required for participation in the nomination process.

According to him, voting in the party’s selection process would take place at ward headquarters across the eight local government areas in the senatorial district, with officials verifying membership before participation.

“We are not criticizing the Kaduna State Government and we respect the Kaduna State Governor as the father of all in Kaduna State and the APC,” he said. “But what everyone is asking for is justice for the rural people in fielding candidates.”

Ikara described Kaduna North Senatorial District as the state’s strongest voting bloc, noting that local government areas such as Zaria, Sabon Gari, Kubau, Ikara, Soba, Lere, Kudan, and Makarfi have consistently delivered high voter turnout in elections.

Speakers at the event, including senior APC figures, business leaders, and retired civil servants from the zone, also urged the administration of Governor Uba Sani to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the party’s candidate selection process.

Kaduna North Senatorial District, widely known as Zone One, remains one of the most politically influential electoral blocs in Kaduna State due to its large voting population across the eight local government areas.