In a well-investigated report, the Arewa Youths for Peace and Security, an umbrella body for the protection of northern interests, has revealed that the good people of Suleja, who also form part of the Zone B Senatorial District of Niger State, have not produced a senator since 1999.
Zainab Umar, Head of Investigation, made this known during an interactive visit to Suleja and other suburbs within the senatorial district.
In 1999, the late Senator Idris Kuta became senator and served for eight years. Senator Awaisu Kuta served for four years, followed by Senator David Umar, who also served for four years. The incumbent senator, Sani 313, was thereafter elected and is expected to complete his eight-year tenure in 2027. However, he is still interested in contesting the 2027 race, which is seen as undemocratic and an infringement on the electoral rights of the people from Suleja.
The group is urging all the Progressives Congress National Executive Committee, Working Committee, as well as the Niger State Governor, to look into this matter and allow a candidate from the Suleja axis of Zone B Senatorial District to emerge, in order to strengthen the chances of defeating opposition parties.
Other zones, such as Zones A and C, have practiced rotation; therefore, the same principle must be extended to Zone B, where fairness, equality, and an equitable power-sharing formula should be upheld.
The All Progressives Congress should ensure that any screening committee constituted guarantees the emergence of a candidate from Suleja.
Suleja remains the highest revenue-generating area in the state due to its proximity to the FCT.
