By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
A group of concerned citizens in Yobe State has accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of backing the forceful confiscation of membership cards from party members ahead of the forthcoming governorship primary election.
The group’s convener, Musa Ali Baba, told journalists in Damaturu that many grassroots members were being ordered to surrender their cards without explanation, a move he described as a calculated attempt at disenfranchisement.
According to Baba, the alleged seizure follows the widespread rejection of the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, who was reportedly being positioned as a preferred candidate.
“An earlier plan by some mischievous party leaders to tout the SSG as the party’s preferred candidate without going through the primaries has failed woefully, as both members and other governorship aspirants exposed and rejected it,” Baba stated.
He warned that the confiscation of cards appears to be a “grand plan” to ensure only a handpicked group of “loyalists” can participate should the party adopt a direct primary or consensus format.
“This is certainly an unfortunate trajectory in the history of our state’s political transitions, which are usually conducted without rancour.
“If our suspicion is correct, the seizure of membership cards will translate to daylight robbery, imposition, and a denial of the electorate’s right to choose the next governor,” he added.
The group called on the APC national leadership to intervene, ensure internal democracy, and sanction any officials involved in the alleged scheme.
They further urged members to resist surrendering their cards and vowed to seek legal redress if the state executives are not called to order.
Reacting to the development, the Yobe State APC Youth Leader, Musa Muhammad Gulani, dismissed the allegations as malicious and baseless.
“This is a deliberate attempt by some disgruntled elements to create unnecessary tension and propagate unfounded narratives within the party,” Gulani stated..
