APC Stakeholders in Suleja LGA Oppose Imposition of New Chairman

The Stakeholders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State has strongly opposed the imposition of Idris B. Nana as the new chairman of the party in the council.

This move has sparked controversy and discontent among the party’s members, who are calling for a more transparent and inclusive approach to leadership within the local chapter.

Gambo Ibrahim, who had been leading the APC in Suleja for over two years since the Local Government Party Congress in October 2021, was recently replaced by Idris B. Nana.

However, the decision to appoint Nana as the substantive chairman was met with resistance from key stakeholders who felt the process lacked due consultation and consideration of the broader party membership.

The Stakeholders Forum, in a letter to the state APC Working Committee, expressed their dissatisfaction with the appointment of Nana.

They highlighted that an earlier letter from the state APC Working Committee had promised to communicate with stakeholders regarding the leadership issue, but this promise was not fulfilled.

Instead, the committee went ahead to confirm Nana’s appointment, contrary to the Forum’s resolution to drop the two principal figures in contention—Gambo Ibrahim and Idris Nana—and seek a fresh start with new leadership.

The stakeholders noted, “We regret to say this did not happen, and instead they confirmed Idris B. Nana as the substantive APC Chairman of Suleja LGA against our resolution of dropping the two principal figures in contention.

This is against the general interest of the majority of APC members and supporters in Suleja LGA.”

The Forum called on the state APC Working Committee to reconsider their decision and to respect the original resolution, which aimed to introduce new leadership untainted by the current conflict.

They argued that bringing in new individuals to lead the party would be the best way to achieve a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis and restore unity within the local chapter.

The stakeholders warned that any actions contrary to their proposed resolution would suggest that the party leadership harbours ulterior motives against the people of Suleja LGA.

They emphasised the importance of the APC Working Committee’s cooperation in resolving the matter amicably and in the best interest of the party’s members and supporters in the area.

Gambo Ibrahim, the ousted Suleja APC chairman, also voiced his disapproval of the decision and criticised the state APC chairman, Aminu Bobi, for his handling of the situation.

In a press statement, Ibrahim condemned what he described as Bobi’s “unguarded utterances” against the party’s stakeholders in Suleja LGA, accusing him of lacking the necessary leadership and maturity to address the concerns raised by the Forum.

Ibrahim stated, “I want to state here that I will be challenging my illegal removal as the substantive APC chairman of the Suleja Local Government by the SWC in a court of law.”

He made it clear that he would not accept the decision without a fight, and indicated his intention to seek legal redress to challenge what he described as an unjust and unprocedural removal.

The controversy over the leadership change has underscored deeper divisions within the APC in Suleja, with stakeholders feeling sidelined and their voices ignored in critical decisions affecting the local party structure.

The stakeholders’ call for a fair and open process reflects a broader demand for accountability and inclusiveness in party leadership, which they argue is essential for the APC to maintain its credibility and support base in Suleja.

This unfolding drama in Suleja is emblematic of wider challenges facing political parties across Nigeria, where internal conflicts and leadership disputes often disrupt party cohesion and undermine public confidence.

The Stakeholders Forum’s insistence on revisiting the appointment process and adhering to their original resolution could serve as a critical test of the APC’s commitment to democratic principles and grassroots engagement.

As the dispute continues, all eyes will be on the state APC Working Committee to see whether they will heed the stakeholders’ appeal and take steps towards a more transparent and unifying resolution.

For the APC in Suleja, the path forward will require careful negotiation, respect for party processes, and a genuine commitment to the interests of its members.