Tension is mounting within the Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a group of concerned citizens raises alarm over alleged disenfranchisement of members ahead of the governorship primaries.
The group has accused certain individuals, allegedly backed by elements within the party leadership, of seizing membership cards from members, particularly at the grassroots level, without explanation.
Speaking to journalists in Damaturu, the group’s convener, Musa Ali Baba, said the development has raised serious concerns about possible manipulation of the primary election process.
According to him, the alleged actions come just days before the primaries and follow what he described as the widespread rejection of the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Malam Wali.
“An earlier plan by some party leaders to promote the former SSG as the preferred candidate without going through the primaries has failed, as party members and other aspirants rejected it,” Baba said.
He warned that the situation could undermine the state’s long-standing tradition of peaceful political transitions.
“There is a growing suspicion that this may be part of a broader plan to impose an unpopular candidate by restricting voting rights to selected ‘loyal’ members, especially if the primaries are conducted through a direct system,” he added.
Baba further stated that if the allegations prove true, the confiscation of membership cards would amount to disenfranchisement and a violation of members’ democratic rights.
The group called on the national leadership of the APC to intervene and ensure a transparent and credible primary election in the state. It also urged party members to resist any attempt to collect their membership cards.
The group warned that it would seek legal redress if the party’s national leadership fails to address the situation.
Reacting to the allegations, the Yobe State APC Youth Leader, Musa Muhammad Gulani, dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated.
“These allegations are baseless and are being spread by disgruntled elements seeking to create unnecessary tension within the party,” Gulani said.
