A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations of intimidation, suppression of dissenting voices, and a deepening internal crisis that threatens the party's unity ahead of future political contests. A prominent APC figure, Yakubu Mohammed, has openly accused some stakeholders within the party of operating what he described as a “dictatorial system,” claiming that loyal party members are increasingly being sidelined while critics face targeted attacks.
Mohammed, who identified himself as the Head of APC Media in Taraba State and Acting Head of APC Media Critics in the North-East, made these claims in a strongly-worded statement circulated on Friday. Political observers view this latest outburst as another indication of widening cracks within the Taraba APC, a party that has struggled in recent years to maintain unity and strengthen its opposition status in the state.
Allegations of Political Interference
In his statement, Mohammed alleged that the political atmosphere within the party deteriorated following what he termed the “intersection” of Governor Agbu Kefas in the affairs of the APC in Taraba State. Although Governor Kefas is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed claimed that certain political interests linked to the governor were influencing developments within the APC to weaken the party from within. According to him, internal divisions, fear, and alleged political intimidation have continued to undermine the chances of the APC regaining political strength in Taraba State.
“It is very unfortunate and worrisome looking at how things are unfolding in the affairs of APC Taraba State. Too heartless and very disheartening,” Mohammed stated.
Allegations of Political Suppression
The APC media figure further alleged that individuals considered politically influential or ambitious within the party are often subjected to direct or indirect attacks. He cited former Taraba State Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame, former Minister of Power Engr. Sale Mamman, and Bello Bodejo among personalities he claimed had experienced political pressure or opposition from certain interests.
“You think you fulfilled your intentions in regard to Jolly Nyame, Engr. Sale Mamman, and now with blurry approach against Bello Bodejo. Why are you people afraid if you trust your administration?” he queried. Though Mohammed did not provide specific details regarding the alleged attacks or pressure, his comments reflect growing dissatisfaction among some APC loyalists over the direction of the party in the state.
In one of the strongest parts of his statement, Mohammed warned against what he described as attempts to silence party members and impose fear within the APC structure. “This is not military administration. This is democracy and we are not your slaves most especially in APC Taraba State,” he declared. He also rejected what he described as efforts to transform the APC into a “PDP recycle bin,” insisting that longstanding party members would resist any attempt to hijack the structure for personal or political interests.
Fear and Silence Among Members
Mohammed further claimed that many party members were unwilling to speak publicly about the internal situation due to fear of victimisation, political retaliation, or personal interests. According to analysts, such allegations point to a deeper crisis of confidence within the Taraba APC, especially as political alignments and repositioning continue ahead of future elections. The development may further complicate efforts by the opposition party to rebuild cohesion and mount a stronger challenge against the ruling PDP in the state.
Political watchers believe the controversy could trigger fresh debates over leadership, party unity, and the future of the APC in Taraba. The party now faces the challenge of addressing these internal grievances to present a united front in upcoming political contests.
