The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Barnabas Bala Bantex, has declared his intention to contest for the southern Kaduna senatorial seat in 2019.
His declaration has confirmed reports that Governor Nasir El-Rufai will not run with him in the next election.
In a statement released to newsmen, Bantex wrote: “With utmost confidence in the fair mindedness, the results accomplished, and the work being done by the APC government of Kaduna state, under the inspiring leadership of Malam Nasir el-Rufai, I have decided to offer myself as the APC candidate for the Kaduna south senatorial district in the forthcoming 2019 election.
“As deputy-governor, I have had several opportunities to witness this commitment to equity, and I regret that some of the elected representation from my zone has not matched this broad-mindedness and constructive approach, in the interest of our people in zone 3
“I have, therefore, come to the conclusion that it is worth leaving the office of deputy governor to put these issues on the ballot, encourage more mature and sober political discourse in the area, in order to deliver the desirable quality of representation for our people, and attract the maximum dividend of democracy.”