The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Senator Abdallah Wali, on Monday said he had no plan whatsoever to work against the interest of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, if he emerged the governor next month.
Wali also stated that he remained the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state, saying the visit of the Vice-President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, to the state was successful as it yielded positive result.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Sokoto, Wali maintained that he had no reason to antagonise the Sultan if he wins the governorship election, describing their relationship as cordial.
He blamed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for spreading malicious rumour in the state in order to create disaffection among the people.
According to him, the intention of the APC was to incite the public against the PDP ahead of the governorship election in the state.
He emphasised that he went to the palace and intimated the Sultan of his intention to contest for the governorship even before declaring it to the members of the PDP in the state.
“I have no plan to work against the interest of the Sultan. My relationship with the revered monarch is cordial and I even consulted him before declaring my intention to contest for the governorship in the state.
“So, it is not true that we are plotting against the monarch. This wicked rumour is the handiwork of the APC in order to instigate the people of Sokoto against the PDP.
“I am indeed aware of the role of the Sultanate Council in promoting Islam and peace in the country and I intend to continue to accord that respect to the traditional institution if I win the governorship election next month,” Wali averred.
He stated that no amount of smear campaign would deter the people of Sokoto from voting massively for the PDP in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Wali disclosed that all issues concerning primary elections in the state were amicably resolved at the meeting during Sambo’s visit.
“The visit of the vice-president is successful and most timely. The idea is that there is no winner and no vanquished in the spirit of one united family.
“Sambo’s appeal to all who had lost at the primaries is to know that they have not lost anything, as they would all be carried along. But we must work together for the success of the party in the state,” he said.
The PDP candidate disclosed that he was on his way to Abuja for another meeting with the vice-president, saying it was meant to strategise on how to win the state during the forthcoming elections.
Wali to this announced the name of a former member of the Sokoto House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Yusuf, as his running mate for the forthcoming governorship election.
He described Yusuf as competent and a man of integrity who would add value to the PDP in the state.
“My running mate is a dependable ally and did not beg for the position. Thus, I believe he is the best person for the job and I am glad he accepted it,” Wali added. Agency report
