KADUNA — Senator Sunday Marshall Katung has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kaduna South Senatorial District primary election, defeating former Senator Danjuma Tella Laah and Michael Ayuba Auta in a keenly contested exercise held across the eight local government areas of the district.
The Returning Officer, Prof. John Laah of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, announced the results on Monday at the collation centre in Jema’a Local Government Area, describing the exercise as peaceful, transparent, and credible.
According to him, the election was conducted across Kagarko, Sanga, Kauru, Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a, Jaba, and Kachia local government areas.
Katung polled 7,453 votes to defeat Laah, who scored 1,370 votes, while Michael Ayuba Auta secured 878 votes.
Prof. Laah commended party stakeholders, delegates, and security agencies for ensuring a smooth electoral process throughout the senatorial district.
With the victory, Katung secured the APC ticket for the Kaduna South Senatorial District ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Grassroots Support
Reacting to the outcome, Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Joseph Bege Gaiya, described the result as a reflection of the wishes of party members at the grassroots.
He said the conduct of the exercise demonstrated the strength of internal democracy within the APC and expressed confidence that the party would record victory in the next general elections.
Gaiya added that the people of Zangon Kataf remained committed to the development agenda of Governor Uba Sani and urged aggrieved aspirants to unite in the interest of the party.
“The people have spoken through a transparent process, and we must all work together to ensure victory for our party at all levels,” he said.
Shehu Sani Wins Kaduna Central
Meanwhile, former lawmaker Shehu Sani emerged winner of the APC Kaduna Central Senatorial District primary election.
Chairman of the electoral committee, Samira Jibrin, announced that Shehu Sani polled 9,105 votes to defeat Yusuf Zailani, who scored 1,021 votes, while Ambassador Yerima Shettima, who earlier withdrew from the race, secured 1,253 votes.
Speaking with journalists at his Kaduna residence after the announcement, Shehu Sani thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their support.
“There is no better representation of the people of Kaduna State than me being their lawmaker and Uba Sani being the governor,” he said.
He also appreciated party supporters and constituents for giving him another opportunity to represent them, while commending Yerima Shettima for stepping down from the race.
According to him, the country is facing challenges such as poverty and unemployment, stressing that the National Assembly remains a critical pillar of democracy.
“I will ensure that my people are well represented and that federal presence is attracted to my constituency,” he added.
Yero Wins Kaduna North
In Kaduna North Senatorial District, former Kaduna State governor, Ramalan Mukhtar Yero, won the APC senatorial ticket after polling 6,060 votes.
Yero defeated Mu’azu Mukaddas, who scored 1,044 votes, while Engineer Bala Ikara secured 362 votes.
