Former Minister of Water Resources and two-time Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Barrister Mukhtar Shagari has declared his intention to run in the 2019 governorship election in the state under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shagari, who contested the seat in 2015 on the platform of the PDP but lost to the incumbent, Aminu Tambuwal of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made his intention known when he met with the party leaders in Sokoto. He said that he will focus on the health, agriculture and education sectors of the state if elected into office.

He also promised to pay special attention to youth and social development as well as improve the state’s infrastructure, warning the leadership of the party against oppression of its members for the benefit of those who have just defected to the party.

“We are welcoming new members, our doors are always opened for them. However, I want our leaders to ensure justice in dealing with all its members. Don’t oppress or impose candidate on us,” he warned.

While assuring all new defectors to the PDP of equal rights, Shagari added: “We welcome all defectors from APC. In fact, we are waiting for more defectors so that PDP can be stronger,” he added.