2027 Kaduna South senatorial seat: Ciroma begins consultations, APC rejects free tickets rumours

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By Ahmad A. Usman, Kafanchan

The Political Adviser to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Hon. Ado Dogo Audu, has dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that there is any arrangement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to award “free tickets” to aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such reports as false and misleading.

Hon. Audu, while speaking at a political meeting in Kafanchan, stated that the APC under Governor Uba Sani remains an open and democratic party where anyone is free to aspire to any elective position, including seats in the State and National Assembly. He urged party members to ignore rumours suggesting that certain individuals have been promised automatic tickets, insisting that no such assurance has been given to anyone by the Governor.

He further stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never at any point promised anybody a free ticket for any political position, adding that the party leadership is committed to a transparent, inclusive and competitive process that will allow members to emerge through due process. According to him, the APC welcomes new members from all political parties, but no one is above the party’s constitution and democratic procedures.

Following this development, the former General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Joseph Ciroma, has begun wide consultations ahead of his aspiration to contest for the Kaduna South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Ciroma held a meeting with stakeholders, party executives and ward councillors from the eight local government areas that make up the Kaduna South Senatorial District as part of moves to formally present his ambition to the people of the zone.

The meeting, which was well attended by APC faithful in Kafanchan, featured expressions of support for Ciroma’s ambition. Participants described him as a genuine son of the land who has, over the years, demonstrated commitment to the development of the area through the drilling of boreholes, installation of transformers to restore power supply, and provision of other social amenities to rural communities.

Addressing party supporters, Ciroma assured that his aspiration is driven by a desire to deliver purposeful, people-centred leadership that will improve the socio-economic wellbeing of Southern Kaduna if elected in 2027.

During the interactive session, he reiterated his long-standing record of service to humanity, particularly in Kaduna South and beyond, and pledged that service would remain his guiding principle in public life.

Ciroma also reaffirmed his loyalty and support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, noting that their administrations have continued to positively impact Southern Kaduna through the establishment of key institutions such as a Federal Medical Centre and a university, among other developmental efforts.

Earlier, the Director-General of the movement, Mr. Patrick Katuka, assured that Southern Kaduna would witness significant progress with Ciroma as senator, stating that his past contributions to the people reflect what he would do if entrusted with a public mandate.

“Engr. Joseph Ciroma is among the few sons of this zone who have truly committed themselves to the welfare of their people. He has shown it in practical terms, and if given the mandate, he will surprise everyone with effective, responsive and accountable leadership that will take Southern Kaduna to greater heights,” Katuka said.

Other speakers at the event described Ciroma as a leader capable of making tangible impact if elected, citing his track record of community service as evidence of his readiness to serve.

Dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Ado Dogo Audu, Yunana Barde, Augustine Beguwa, Hajiya Hadiza Farouk, Prof. Yaki Katuka, Dr. Katuka, as well as other respected leaders, party executives, council chairmen and ward councillors from across the invited local government areas.