The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State appears to be on the verge of implosion as another faction has emerged, further deepening the crisis within the party. This new development comes just months after Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa led his supporters to form a splinter group, accusing the party leadership of lacking direction and unity.
Jaji Faction Blames Failed Leadership for Split
Honourable Sani Jaji, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaura-Namoda/Birnin Magaji federal constituency, is at the forefront of this latest crisis. At a press conference held on Wednesday in Gusau, the state capital, Jaji’s faction, led by Honourable Aminu Abubakar MC, made a public declaration of their decision to form a parallel structure within the APC.
Abubakar, the chairman of the Jaji-led faction, blamed the state’s party leaders for failing to unite members and prioritizing selfish interests over the party’s well-being. He stated, “For this reason, we have decided to open a new APC Secretariat in the state and appointed the Vice chairman of the party and the assistant secretary to take charge until after the election of new executive members.
This move by the Jaji faction signifies a significant escalation of the internal squabbles within the Zamfara APC. It creates a complex situation with three distinct factions vying for control:
- The faction led by Honourable Bello Mohammed, the Minister of Defence.
- The faction led by Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa.
- The newly formed faction led by Honourable Sani Jaji.
Accusations and Counter-Accusations Fly
The accusations hurled at the party leadership by Jaji’s faction mirror those made by Marafa earlier. Both factions allege a lack of transparency, inclusivity, and internal democracy within the APC. They claim that the current leadership prioritizes personal agendas over the party’s interests, leading to disunity and a decline in support.
However, supporters of the established APC leadership have countered these accusations. They argue that the dissenters are motivated by personal ambitions and a desire for greater control within the party structure. They maintain that the current leadership is working diligently to unite the party and ensure victory in upcoming elections.
Impact on Upcoming Elections and Party Image
The deepening crisis within the Zamfara APC casts a long shadow over the party’s chances of success in the upcoming elections. A divided party presents a weaker front against the opposition, potentially leading to a loss of voter confidence and support.
Furthermore, the constant infighting and public spats damage the party’s image. Voters may perceive the APC as dysfunctional and incapable of delivering on its promises. This could have a negative impact on the party’s electoral performance across the state.
Efforts to Find Resolution
There have been attempts to reconcile the warring factions within the Zamfara APC. Party officials at the national level have intervened, urging dialogue and compromise to achieve a unified front. However, these efforts have so far proven unsuccessful.
The lack of progress on a resolution suggests that the crisis may persist for some time. This could have a significant impact on the party’s ability to function effectively and achieve its political goals.
Stakeholders Call for Urgent Action
The deepening crisis within the Zamfara APC has drawn concern from various stakeholders, including political analysts, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens. They have called for urgent action to resolve the conflict and restore unity within the party.
Analysts warn that the ongoing infighting could lead to the complete disintegration of the APC in Zamfara State. This, they argue, would not only weaken the party but also have a destabilizing effect on the state’s political landscape.
Civil society organizations have urged the APC leadership to prioritize the interests of the people over personal agendas. They have called for a transparent and inclusive process of reconciliation to bring all factions back together.
Ordinary citizens are concerned about the impact of the crisis on governance and service delivery. They express a desire for a strong and united opposition to hold the current administration accountable.
Will the APC Overcome this Crisis?
The future of the APC in Zamfara State remains uncertain. The ability of the party to overcome this latest crisis depends on several factors, including:
- The willingness of the various factions to compromise and work towards a common goal.
- The effectiveness of interventions from the national leadership of the party.
- The pressure exerted by stakeholders such as civil society organizations and the electorate.
Only time will tell whether the APC can weather this storm and emerge as a united and formidable force in Zamfara State politics.
