A 36-year-old businessman, Umar Aliyu, has become the gubernatorial candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in Bauchi State.

Mr Hamza Abdu, chairman of the five-man governorate primary election committee, said Aliyu emerged unopposed in the primary election held in Bauchi on Thursday.

He said the candidate had been endorsed by delegates from 20 local government areas in the state.

“By the power vested in me, I declare Umar Aliyu as the gubernatorial candidate of the YPP, having emerged unopposed in the race with the assertion of party members.

“It is now confirmed to INEC officials, security agencies and journalists that Mr. Umar Aliyu is the flag bearer of the YPP government in Bauchi State,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Aliyu thanked party members for the trust placed in him, adding that his candidacy is for all the young people in the state.

According to him, now is the time for young people to vote massively for the YPP to enable them to take control of governance in the state.

“Young people are being left behind, so we are joining the race for the benefit of young people. We want to see more young people in government business.

“We also want to create jobs for young people by revitalizing moribund industries in the state, with this the unemployment rate will decrease,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party also inaugurated its state executive committee under the chairmanship of Alhaji Hamza Garba and Malam Gambo Abubakar as secretary. (NOPE)