*Submission Of Forms: From left, National Vice Chairman North Central, Alh. Bawa Rijao, APC National Organizing Secretary, Alh. Suleiman Arugungu receiving Governorship Forms From Nasarawa State APC Governorship Aspirant, Prof. Mohammed Haruna at APC Collection and Submission Centre In Abuja ahead of primaries of the party*
A governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APc), Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, has dismissed concerns over the endorsement of another aspirant by the state government, insisting that the move would not affect his gubernatorial ambition.
Haruna said he remained confident because politics is ultimately determined by the people and not by endorsements.
Speaking with journalists after submitting his governorship nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja on Friday, the aspirant described the contest as “a game of numbers,” expressing optimism that the electorate would reward his years of service and development efforts.
“In fact, I am happy that the endorsement has happened because now we will see the people’s preference,” he said.
“Politics is a game of numbers and the people will decide.”
He insisted that his relationship with the grassroots and his record of touching lives across the state would give him an advantage in the race.
“I assure you, I have touched the lives of individuals more than anybody else,” he stated.
“This is a payback period for the people of Nasarawa State.”
Haruna faulted the recent endorsement of another aspirant by Governor Abdullahi Sule saying that he is confident that the people would line up behind him instead during the primaries.
“There are certain processes that we are not comfortable with, and that is why I raised my hand,” he said.
Haruna further urged his supporters not to see politics as warfare, warning against violence or attacks on rival camps.
“There is no need for supporters to quarrel or fight over political issues,” he said.
“We preach peace, coexistence and issue-based politics. We discuss governance, development and policies, not personalities.”
He also condemned character assassination in political campaigns, stressing that his team sanctions supporters who engage in insults or smear attacks against opponents.
“We do not accept character assassination,” he said.
“In fact, we take disciplinary action against any supporter who insults another candidate. That is our principle.”