PDP picks Sanusi Bala Turaki as consensus candidate for Zamfara Central

The Peoples Democratic Party in Zamfara State concluded its senatorial primary for the Zamfara Central zone on schedule to hold on Wednesday, May 20, with Dr. Sanusi Bala Turaki (Sarkin Dawaki Maituta) emerging as the party candidate unopposed.

The exercise took place at the state party secretariat in Lalan Gusau, where officials from the PDP national headquarters in Abuja joined state party leaders to oversee the process and confirm the outcome.

Delegates and representatives from all four local government areas that make up Zamfara Central were present to give their backing. Gusau, Tsafe, Maru, and Bungudu all threw their weight behind Sarkin Dawaki, making his affirmation unanimous.

The presence of the national party team chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Dogara underscored the importance the PDP attaches to the zone, which has long been a political stronghold and a key battleground in state and federal contests.

Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Sarkin Dawaki expressed gratitude to the party officials and delegates for the trust placed in him. He said he was humbled by the support and described the moment as both an honor and a responsibility.

According to him, emerging as the consensus candidate with the backing of every local government in the zone was a clear signal that the people want unity and purposeful representation.

He told journalists that the confidence shown by his constituents would guide his campaign and his conduct if elected.

He pledged to work hard to justify that trust and to ensure that the people of Zamfara Central feel the impact of effective representation at the National Assembly.

For him, the affirmation was not a victory lap but the start of a greater task, one that demands focus, discipline, and consistent engagement with the grassroots.

Sarkin Dawaki framed his emergence as a challenge rather than a reward. He said the expectation from the people is high, and he is prepared to redouble his efforts to deliver tangible benefits to the zone.

He emphasized that his priority would be to bring democratic dividends to the communities that have stood by him, particularly in areas where basic services and economic opportunities remain limited.

The candidate also stressed that quality representation would be at the core of his agenda. He promised not to disappoint the people who have placed their faith in him, noting that his duty would be to speak for the zone, defend its interests, and push for projects and policies that improve everyday life.

He said Zamfara Central deserves a voice that is present, active, and responsive, both in Abuja and back home in the constituencies.

The PDP officials who supervised the process described the smooth and unopposed affirmation as a sign of internal cohesion within the party in the zone.

They noted that consensus-building at this stage could strengthen the party’s position ahead of the general election and reduce the rancor that often accompanies contested primaries.

The officials urged the candidate to carry everyone along and to use his campaign to unite the party further across the four local governments.

With the affirmation now complete, attention shifts to how Sarkin Dawaki will translate this early show of unity into a broader campaign that appeals to voters beyond party lines.

Zamfara Central has a history of competitive elections, and the senatorial seat is seen as pivotal in shaping the state’s representation at the federal level.

For now, the PDP enters that contest with a candidate who has the backing of all corners of the zone and a clear message centered on gratitude, responsibility, and service.