Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State have rejected the outcome of the recent ward and local government congresses, describing the exercise as flawed and inconsistent with the party’s guidelines.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, the group, led by Comrade Mustapha Dalailu Katagum, called on the state and national leadership of the party to nullify the process and conduct a fresh congress in line with the laid-down rules.
Katagum, who described himself as a loyal member of the party since 2014, said the stakeholders were compelled to speak out over what they termed growing irregularities within the party’s structure in Zaki LGA.
He said the group was seeking a declaration that the congress held in the area was unconstitutional and therefore invalid.
The stakeholders linked the party’s poor performance in the 2019 and 2023 general elections to what they described as a widening gap between the leadership and grassroots members.
According to them, major decisions affecting the party at the local level are often taken without adequate consultation, thereby sidelining members who engage directly with voters.
They also lamented what they called insufficient youth participation in decision-making processes, arguing that excluding younger members has hindered innovation in campaign strategies and grassroots mobilisation.
The group further alleged that the recent congress did not follow due process, claiming that the meeting was held at a private residence in Bauchi instead of the designated party secretariat, contrary to the congress guidelines.
They also noted the absence of key chairmanship aspirants, including Mamuda Gwangwan, Alhaji Yahai Tashena and Alhaji Umaru Katagum, during the purported congress or consensus arrangements.
According to them, the non-participation of recognised contenders cast doubt on the credibility of the outcome.
Citing provisions of the APC constitution, the stakeholders maintained that party officers at all levels are expected to emerge through democratic elections, while consensus arrangements are valid only where all aspirants willingly agree.
They added that the constitution guarantees members the right to vote and be voted for, as well as fair treatment in party affairs.
The group also raised concerns over what it described as political imbalance, alleging that key leadership positions at the local level were concentrated within the Katagum district, leaving other districts, including Sakwa, without significant representation.
They warned that the perceived marginalisation and lack of inclusiveness could further weaken the party’s structure and electoral prospects in the area.
The stakeholders urged the state and national leadership of the APC to intervene promptly to restore confidence among members, particularly youths, and ensure that future processes reflect transparency, fairness and adherence to democratic principles.
