The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Gombe State, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, alongside his running mate, Mrs. Naomi Philip Maiguwa, have withdrawn from the race.
Alkali disclosed this in a statement even as he announced his endorsement of the APC candidate, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya.
On why he endorsed Yahaya, Alkali explained that he stepped down following the accord already taken at the national level between SDP and APC, Daily Trust reports.
The statement read, “Although under the initial accord, it did not include candidates for National Assembly, governorship and state houses of assembly, we are conceding the governorship to APC in the overall interest of progress and advancement of Gombe State.
“That we are indeed delighted to note that all our SDP candidates for the state House of Assembly election here in Gombe State have carried on with their campaigns vigorously to the admiration of the party.
“We wish to state that all contestants for the House of Assembly elections should continue with their campaign to ensure that they realize their mandate within the SDP.
“We also call on the leadership of the APC, both at the national level and here in Gombe State, to also demonstrate good faith and honour the cherished principle of reciprocity by throwing their weight behind, and giving support to our SDP house of assembly contestants, especially in constituencies we have strong candidates to enable them also win their elections.”
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