A leading governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Adamawa State, Mustapha Salihu, has withdrawn from the race.

The withdrawal, made known Wednesday night, came as a shock to observers of development in the state who noted that Mustapha, with the backing of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, was ahead of others in the race.

Much of the puzzle is, however, answered by the public notice from Mustapha’s camp that announced the withdrawal.

The Comrade Mustapha Salihu Campaign Organization, in the notice signed by its Head of Strategic Communication, Ahmad Sajoh, stated that “following directives from the leadership of the party at the National level,” Mustapha has stepped down from the gubernatorial primary election.

The notice said Mustapha will now “take up the senatorial candidature” of the central senatorial zone.

This means that the senatorial primary election of the party which did not take place in Adamawa Central when it was conducted in other zones was designed as such by some forces in the party.

Mustapha Salihu was being backed by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, while Ahmed Galadima whom he stepped down for, is the candidate of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.