The All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of betrayal levelled against Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar over the conduct of the party’s ward and local government congresses.
A chieftain of the party from Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, Ibrahim Lawal, in a statement on Monday described the exercise as a “total betrayal of internal democracy,” accusing Yari of allegedly hijacking the process and turning it into what he called a personal endorsement ceremony.
Lawal claimed that rather than allowing party members to elect their leaders freely, loyalists were allegedly imposed through financial influence and political pressure, in violation of the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.
He further alleged that some of the names listed as winners were not bona fide APC members, claiming that individuals linked to rival parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, were inserted into the party structure.
According to Lawal, officials from the APC national headquarters and the Independent National Electoral Commission were allegedly compromised, claiming they were invited to private meetings at a koguna’s residence where lists were prepared without any voting.
He described the development as an open assault on democracy, warning that leadership imposed through money and influence would undermine the party’s credibility and alienate grassroots members.
Lawal also mentioned Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, Lawal M Liman Kaura and the Zamfara APC chairman, Tukur Dan Fulani, accusing them of alleged anti-party activities and collaboration in the disputed congresses.
The APC chieftain warned that failure to investigate the allegations could deepen internal divisions and erode public trust in the ruling party in the state.
Raising further concerns, Lawal alleged that Yari recently held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the ADC, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, claiming this had fuelled suspicion of divided loyalties.
He also called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be cautious, insisting that Yari “cannot be trusted,” amid claims of alleged financial support to ADC candidates during the recent Abuja area council elections.
Lawal said if the allegations were proven, they would amount to a grave betrayal of party confidence, stressing that the unity and integrity of the APC must not be sacrificed for personal political interests.