The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Taraba North, Kabiru Bello Bandawaire, has dismissed reports claiming he has been replaced as the party’s candidate, insisting that he remains the duly nominated flag bearer and will not withdraw from the race.

Speaking on Saturday in Jalingo, Taraba State, Bandawaire said he had no intention of stepping aside for any individual, maintaining that he was validly elected and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He described media reports alleging that the APC had substituted his name with that of the incumbent senator, Shuibu Isa Lau, as false and misleading.

“I will not withdraw from the senatorial race to represent Taraba North Senatorial District. I am the candidate and will not step aside for any individual.

“I cannot sell out the mandate given to me by the people. I am not aware of any replacement, and the party has not communicated such a decision to me,” Bandawaire said.

The APC candidate argued that the Electoral Act provides a clear process for the substitution of candidates, stressing that a duly nominated candidate can only be replaced after voluntarily withdrawing from the contest.

According to him, he has neither indicated any intention to withdraw nor submit any letter to the party expressing such a decision.

“I do not look like someone who will withdraw from the race, and that mandate remains mine. The party must respect due process,” he said.

Bandawaire further described the alleged substitution as undemocratic, insisting that any replacement must comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“I wish to inform the people of Taraba that my name has not been replaced by anyone. I remain the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Taraba North,” he stated.