SANI MUSA: I HAVE NOT WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE FOR THE 10TH SENATE PRESIDENCY.

Sen. Sani Musa, a leading candidate for the 10th Senate Presidency, declared yesterday that he has not dropped out of the contest. He was responding to rumors that candidates from the north had resigned in favor of their southern counterparts.

Musa provided the clarification in a statement that he personally signed and which represents Niger East Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly.

He asserted that the news claiming that all candidates had left the North did not accurately reflect the actual state of affairs.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership deciding to zone the presiding officer’s seats to other zones than the North Central, according to Musa, is the sole circumstance that might cause him to withdraw from the contest.

“I guessed it is the imagination of the writer of that newspaper’s story.

“I am still in the race and will only decide otherwise if the zoning arrangement of our great party, the APC, did not favour my zone for the office of the President of the Senate or the Deputy.

“I appeal to my Distinguished Senators-elect, my constituents and the general public to remain steadfast and be hopeful for a united and robust 10th National Assembly that will be  independent and committed partner to our incoming administration,” he added.

The Senator had once said he would gladly step down if the leadership of the APC did not zone the position to the North Central.

He had vowed not to allow his political ambition to becloud his sense of patriotism.

He had said, “I have chosen to respect the religious and tribal diversity of Nigeria. I will abide by the position of our great party because of my loyalty and all of us will work as a team to achieve national unity and cohesion.”

The Niger East Senator had consequently offered to sacrifice his ambition and settle for the position of the Deputy Senate President if his zone was not favoured to produce the number three position by the leadership of the APC.