Tension is brewing within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress in Kaduna as key stakeholders from Chikun and Kajuru Federal Constituency have raised the red flag over what they call a calculated sidelining in the party’s ongoing congresses.
In a strongly worded statement released Friday in Kaduna, party leaders from the constituency lamented what they described as being pushed to the fringes while crucial decisions are being made at the centre. They expressed dismay that the federal constituency was left out in the composition of the Kaduna State Organising Committee overseeing the congresses.
The statement, jointly endorsed by Mr. Samaila Leeman and Mr. Cafra Caino, said the development casts a long shadow over the principles of fairness and broad-based participation within the party. According to them, the omission raises troubling questions about equity, inclusivity and fair representation in the APC’s internal architecture.
They argued that Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency is no political pushover, noting that it boasts a sizeable population and formidable voting strength, and has consistently delivered support for the APC at the polls. Yet, despite what they described as steadfast loyalty and electoral contributions, the constituency has allegedly remained absent from the Kaduna State Executive Council.
The stakeholders further alleged that prominent political figures in Chikun Local Government Area were conspicuously excluded from the formation of both local government and ward congress committees. Those reportedly left out include former members of the House of Representatives and House of Assembly, ex-commissioners, agency heads and past local government chairmen — a list they say reads like a who’s who of grassroots mobilisers.
They described the situation as a sharp departure from established party conventions and democratic norms, stressing that tradition demands that the most senior political office holder in a local government should ordinarily superintend over congress activities.
Warning that such perceived marginalisation could drive a wedge between the party and its grassroots base, the group cautioned that ignoring loyal stakeholders may come at a political cost. They hinted that party unity in the area could suffer if the matter is swept under the carpet.
Nevertheless, the stakeholders reaffirmed their allegiance to the APC and urged the party’s state and national leadership to swiftly revisit the composition of its structures to ensure Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency is not left out in the cold.
“Inclusivity is the bedrock of any progressive political movement,” the statement added.
