Hon. Danjuma Yusuf Akuso, a former State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kaduna State and a candidate for the Kaduna State PDP Chairmanship, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed Hon. Edward Percy Masha. Akuso made this announcement on Monday during the inauguration of Masha’s Campaign Organisation in Kaduna.
Akuso endorsed Masha, citing the zoning of the Chairman’s position to Jema’a council in line with the zoning committee’s report. He praised Masha for his experience and capacity, asserting that Masha is well-suited for the role.
The Director of Organisation for the campaign structure, Hon. Yohanna Allahmagani, highlighted that Masha’s candidacy has widespread support due to his agenda of reunification and inclusive politics aimed at achieving good governance.
During the inauguration, Hon. Edward Percy Masha pledged that if elected State Chairman, he would focus on re-strategizing, reconciling aggrieved members, and uniting the party to reclaim power in the state by 2027, starting with the October 19, 2024 Local Government elections. Masha acknowledged the party’s past internal conflicts and promised an inclusive leadership style, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and unity within the party.
Masha expressed confidence in his ability to lead, citing his experience in leadership and human resources management. He assured that his accountability would be to the people and God, rather than to specific individuals within the party.
State Campaign Secretary, Hon. Yohanna Gandu Chawai, stated that the campaign is well-prepared and has been actively working well before the inauguration. He noted that the campaign enjoys significant goodwill from the people, and the party’s long-standing presence has made the work easier.
Hon. Solomon Dauda Chawai, Coordinator for Kauru Local Government, echoed the sentiment of high preparedness, emphasizing Masha’s qualifications and the campaign’s readiness to continue its efforts.
The inauguration also saw the appointment of key figures within the campaign structure: Hon. Bashir Sakadadi as Campaign Coordinator, Malam Usman El-Kudan as Deputy Campaign Coordinator, Christopher Haruna as Treasurer, Yohanna Allahmagani as Director of Organisation, Yohanna Chawai as Secretary, and Manasseh Istifanus as Media Director.
Candidates contesting for various key positions within the party attended the event to show their support for Masha’s candidacy, indicating broad support for his leadership bid.