The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State is facing a crisis ahead of its fresh primary election for the Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency. This development comes after the Court of Appeal ordered a fresh primary in the constituency. An aspirant, Hassan Dangaladima, has petitioned two organs of the party, alleging bias by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Dangaladima's petition, which has gone viral, contains several allegations against Yilwatda.
According to Dangaladima's petition, Yilwatda unilaterally constituted the committee to conduct the fresh primary without consulting the National Working Committee (NWC). The petitioner claims that no meeting of the NWC was convened for this purpose. Dangaladima also alleged that his main rival, Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, is not a card-carrying member of the party. These allegations have sparked concerns about the fairness of the upcoming primary election.
The petition urges the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) to halt the conduct of the fresh primary and appoint a new set of individuals to conduct the exercise. Dangaladima's concerns have added to the tensions within the Zamfara APC. The party has been in the news recently, with Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, defecting to the APC. This development is significant, given that President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, is also from Zamfara State.
In response to Dangaladima's petition, the APC National Chairman, through his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, dismissed the allegations as baseless. According to Tooki, the committee was properly constituted, contrary to Dangaladima's claims. The party chairman's response has not alleviated concerns about the primary election's integrity. The APC's internal conflicts may impact its chances in the upcoming elections.
The crisis within the Zamfara APC may have implications for the party's performance in the Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency election. Dangaladima's allegations and the party's response have raised questions about the primary election's transparency. The NEC's decision on the matter will be crucial in determining the party's next steps.
The development in Zamfara State is a significant test for the APC, particularly given its recent gains in the state. The party will need to address internal conflicts and ensure a fair primary election to present a united front in the upcoming elections. The outcome of the NEC's decision will be closely watched by party members and supporters.
The APC's crisis in Zamfara State highlights the challenges faced by the party in maintaining internal cohesion. The party's ability to manage its internal conflicts will be crucial in determining its success in the upcoming elections. The NEC's decision on Dangaladima's petition will be a key factor in resolving the crisis.
Key points
- APC aspirant Hassan Dangaladima accuses National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda of bias ahead of the fresh primary election.
