Fresh political tension has erupted within the APC after Taraba North senatorial candidate Kabiru Bello Bandawaire fiercely rejected reports claiming he had been replaced as the party’s candidate. The politician declared that no one can take away the mandate given to him, insisting he remains firmly in the race.
Bandawaire dismissed the rumours as false and misleading, stressing that he has never agreed to step down for anyone. His strong reaction has sparked fresh conversations about internal politics within the ruling party as preparations continue ahead of the elections.
Speaking in Jalingo on Saturday, the APC candidate insisted that he remains the party’s duly nominated flagbearer and said neither the party nor the electoral authorities have informed him of any valid substitution. He maintained that any attempt to replace him without following the law would not stand.
In one of his strongest remarks yet, Bandawaire declared that he would never “sell” the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Taraba North. He urged supporters to ignore the rumours, insisting that his position as the APC candidate remains unchanged.
The senatorial hopeful explained that the Electoral Act clearly outlines how a candidate can be substituted, noting that such a process can only begin if the candidate voluntarily withdraws.
According to him, he has never written to the APC expressing any intention to leave the race and has no plans to do so.
Bandawaire argued that any attempt to replace him outside the legal process would amount to a violation of democratic principles and due process.
He called on the APC leadership to respect the law and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary confusion within the party.
The politician also reassured his supporters across Taraba North that his mandate remains intact and urged them not to be distracted by what he described as unfounded reports.
His comments are expected to fuel fresh debate over candidate selection within the APC as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the next elections.
