* Usman Murtala Banye Emerges APC Consensus Candidate for Rimi/Charanchi/Batagarawa Federal Constituency
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, today graced the consensus affirmation primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the House of Representatives seat of Rimi/Charanchi/Batagarawa Federal Constituency—his own constituency.
The exercise followed a unanimous party agreement among all aspirants, who willingly embraced a consensus arrangement in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s commitment to unity, discipline, and internal cohesion ahead of the general elections.
The process was widely endorsed by party leaders and stakeholders across the constituency.
Before a large gathering of party faithful and supporters, Governor Radda formally raised the hand of Architect Usman Murtala Banye, signifying his emergence as the APC consensus flagbearer following full endorsement by stakeholders and all aspirants.
It was noted that the consensus affirmation process being implemented in Katsina is part of a nationwide framework introduced by the APC National Secretariat, designed for adoption across constituencies nationwide.
In line with his earlier call for discipline and responsible leadership, Governor Radda commended the aspirants for placing the interest of the party above personal ambition, describing their decision as a sacrifice that strengthens internal democracy, enhances unity, and improves the party’s chances of electoral success.
Earlier, the Katsina State APC Chairman, Dr. Bashir Gambo Saulawa, reiterated that the Electoral Act provides two methods for candidate selection—direct primaries and consensus arrangements.
He noted that consensus remains the preferred option where aspirants reach mutual agreement, as it promotes unity, reduces disputes, and strengthens party cohesion, while direct primaries are adopted only when consensus efforts fail.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the APC Consensus Screening Committee for Katsina State House of Representatives aspirants, Dr. Yakubu Maccido Ahmed disclosed that Constituency is the first in the state to successfully conclude the consensus affirmation exercise under the new arrangement.
He explained that the committee was mandated by the party leadership to oversee the process and expressed satisfaction with its transparent, peaceful, and orderly conduct, which clearly reflected a genuine consensus outcome.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Constituency Consensus Committee, Tasiu Dahiru Dandagoro, confirmed that Architect Usman Murtala Banye emerged as the consensus candidate after the two other aspirants voluntarily withdrew in the interest of party unity.
He added that the aspirants formally submitted withdrawal letters, paving the way for Banye to emerge unopposed as the APC candidate for the House of Representatives seat.
The event was attended by several prominent stakeholders, including the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Prof. Badamasi Lawal Charanchi; the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Engineer Mustapha Almu Banye; and other party leaders and stakeholders.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
16 May 2026
