By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Nine political parties in Kaduna State have endorsed the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Isa Ashiru, as their consensus candidate, ahead of the March 11, 2023 governorship election.

The political parties are YPP, AA, APM, APP, APGA, NRM, AP, ADP and ZLP.

The declaration was made at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday.

The Chairman of the Forum, who is also the Governorship candidate of the YPP, Ambassador Sani Yaya, said they decided to endorse the PDP candidate because he remains the best man for the job.

While urging the people of the state to stay away from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the forum also said that people should come out en-masse and cast their votes for the PDP candidate during the Saturday election.

“Today, we wish to announce our support and loyalty to Rt. Hon. Isah Muhammad Ashiru Kudan, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the PDP

“We took this decision after extensive consultation with our party members as well as the good people of Kaduna State.

“This decision is borne out of our genuine desire to have one and indivisible state irrespective of tribal or religious differences, and we are confident that Isah Ashiru Kudan is the only candidate that will unify the state.

“This can be seen from the manner of his campaign which is aimed at building Kaduna State, and as well from the selection of his running mate which has given fair representation to both Christians and Muslims who are the two major stakeholders in the state.

“Some desperate politicians have turned the political space into a hub of religious sentiments but Isah Ashiru chose to stand on issue-based campaigns only.

“I want to use this opportunity to remind the good people of Kaduna State of the hardship and pain inflicted on them by this APC administration, from an unjustified high rate of taxes to authoritarian leadership and the ego. From the increase of school fees to tertiary institutions to the unlawful disengagement of teachers, local government staff and the removal of traditional rulers.

“It is on this ground that we call on our people to stay away from the APC candidate who is only a puppet to his paymaster who will continue with their anti-masses policy in the state.

“Therefore, we urge the good people of Kaduna State to come out en-masse on March 11, 2023, to vote for Ashiru/Ayuba for a better Kaduna State,” he added.