Zamfara APC Congresses Spark Internal Crisis Amid Betrayal Allegations
The All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State is embroiled in a deepening internal crisis following explosive allegations that former governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar undermined the party's recent ward and local government congresses. A prominent party chieftain has raised fresh concerns, describing the process as a total betrayal of internal democracy and warning of severe repercussions for the ruling party's unity and integrity.
Allegations of Manipulation and Imposition
Ibrahim Lawal, a key APC figure from Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, has accused Yari of allegedly subverting democratic principles by imposing loyalists through financial influence and political pressure. According to Lawal, the congresses were manipulated into what he termed a personal endorsement exercise, rather than allowing free and fair elections by party members. He emphasized that this violates both the Electoral Act and the APC constitution, potentially weakening the party's moral standing and alienating grassroots supporters.
Claims of Compromised Officials and Opposition Infiltration
Lawal further alleged that officials from the APC national headquarters and the Independent National Electoral Commission were compromised during the process. He claimed they attended private meetings at a residence where winner lists were drawn up without any voting, raising serious questions about transparency. Additionally, he asserted that some declared winners were not genuine APC members, with individuals linked to opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress allegedly inserted into the party's structure.
Named Officials and Anti-Party Activities
In his detailed statement, Lawal specifically mentioned Zamfara APC chairman Tukur Dan Fulani, along with Tijjani Yahaya Kaura and Lawal M Liman Kaura, accusing them of anti-party activities and collaboration in the disputed congresses. He warned that failure to investigate these allegations could exacerbate internal rifts and further erode public confidence in the APC within Zamfara State, urging immediate action to address the grievances.
Links to Opposition and Warning to President Tinubu
Raising further alarms, Lawal alleged that Yari recently held a closed-door meeting with ADC leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, intensifying suspicions of divided loyalties. He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution, insisting that Yari cannot be trusted amid claims of financial support to ADC candidates during recent elections. Lawal stressed that if proven, these actions would constitute a serious breach of party trust, threatening the APC's cohesion in Zamfara for individual political ambitions.
