Ahmad Mahmoud, a governorship aspirant in Kwara, has withdrawn his earlier decision to step down from the state’s governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mahmoud had previously announced his withdrawal in support of Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki ahead of the APC governorship primary election in the state.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the aspirant said he decided to return to the race following consultations with party stakeholders and supporters across the state.
His words: “A short while ago, in a demonstration of party loyalty and an unyielding desire for political cohesion, we issued a statement stepping down our gubernatorial aspiration in favor of Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki MFR.
“That decision was born out of a profound respect for party unity and our unwavering commitment to the leadership of our leader and mentor, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.”
Mahmoud said the political situation in the state changed after his withdrawal announcement.
According to him, party elders, youth groups, women organisations and supporters across the 16 LGAs appealed to him to remain in the contest.
“The message to us has been loud, clear, and unambiguous: The mission to sustain and expand the Otoge transformation requires every strong hand on deck, and our voice must remain on the ballot,” he said.
The APC aspirant said he decided to rescind his withdrawal after what he described as “deep reflection” and consultations with stakeholders.
“I, Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, hereby formally rescind the earlier statement of withdrawal. I am fully, resolutely, and officially back in the race for the APC Gubernatorial ticket of Kwara State,” he said.
Mahmoud said his governorship ambition was aimed at consolidating the achievements of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
“His Excellency has set an unprecedented standard of governance in Kwara State; from infrastructural revolution and educational reforms to rural development and inclusive politics,” he said.
“This hard-earned progress must not just be maintained; it must be aggressively consolidated,” he added.
The governorship aspirant also said he held Yahaya Seriki in high regard and described internal competition within the APC as healthy for the party.
“We hold Ambassador Yahaya Seriki in the highest esteem, and we firmly believe that a robust, democratic contest of ideas within the APC will only make our party stronger and more formidable ahead of the general elections,” he said.
