By Segun Adewale
A Forum within the Bauchi State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Concerned and Committed members, has demanded for a free, fair and transparent conduct of the forthcoming Congresses of the party in the state.
The group therefore urged the National Chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and the National Working Committee to ensure that the processes of the Congresses were conducted strictly in line with the APC Constitution and democratic principles.
The call was made by a group known as Concerned and Committed members of the APC in Bauchi State during a Press conference held yesterday the forthcoming APC Congress in Bauchi State.
Leader of the group who read the text of the conference, -Alhaji Musa Garba, Wakilin Jhar, tated that, “Our concern is not speculative; it is based on painful experience. During previous Ward Congresses in Dass, Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro, Bauchi, and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas, internal disputes were poorly managed and eventually taken to court.”
He added that,”These crises led to deep divisions within the party, mistrust among members, financial and reputational damage, and contributed significantly to our electoral setbacks in some of these areas. We cannot afford a repeat of this history.”
According to him,”The APC Constitution is very clear. Article 20 provides that party officers at all levels must emerge through democratic elections. While the Constitution allows for consensus under Article 20(3), this is only valid where all aspirants voluntarily agree.”
He stressed that, “Where even one aspirant does not consent, an election must be conducted. Any imposed consensus or alteration of names after ward-level decisions is unconstitutional and unacceptable.
“Furthermore, Article 9 of the APC Constitution guarantees every member the right to vote, to be voted for, and to enjoy fairness and equal treatment in party affairs. Any process that undermines these rights weakens the party and fuels internal conflict”.
Alhaji Musa Garba, added that, “At this point, we must also express our serious concern and demand clarification over reports that Bauchi State APC stakeholders, during a meeting held in Abuja, proposed the swapping of some key party positions to Bauchi North Senatorial District instead of ensuring a fair and balanced distribution of positions across the three senatorial zones of Bauchi State.”
He declared that, “We strongly condemn this action, as it was not transparently discussed with party members and raises serious questions about fairness and motive. Our fear is that such arrangements may be targeted at marginalising or witch-hunting certain individuals within the party. If this practice is allowed to extend to the Ward and Local Government Congresses, it will erode trust and weaken party loyalty.”
The group leader stressed that, “Another major concern is that, there are individuals who have spent as long as eight years in office and are still seeking to continue in the same positions. Of particular concern is an individual who, by virtue of his professional background and responsibility as a legal practitioner occupying the position of the party’s Legal Adviser, is expected to guide the party on the dangers and illegality of violating party rules.
“Unfortunately, instead of protecting the rules he was elected to uphold, he appears to be at the forefront of bending those same rules for personal interest. This development is dangerous to internal democracy and sets a very wrong precedent for the party”.
He stated that, “Based on these constitutional provisions and concerns, we make the following clear demands: First, the conduct of a free, fair, transparent, and credible Ward Congress across Bauchi State. Second, adherence to internal democracy, including the principle that officers who have served two terms should step aside to allow new leadership to emerge.”
He added, “Third, where consensus is adopted, it must be voluntary, transparent, and inclusive, not imposed or manipulated. Fourth, all party members at the ward level must be consulted, not just a select few individuals. Fifth, there must be full inclusion of women, youths, elders, and all relevant party blocs to promote unity and collective ownership of the process.”
According to him,”We therefore respectfully call on the National Chairman and the National Working Committee to deploy neutral and independent monitoring committees, prevent any substitution or manipulation of ward-level outcomes, and decisively sanction any individual found to be in violation of the APC Constitution.”
He stressed that,”In conclusion, the crises and litigations of the past weakened our party and cost us elections. We cannot afford to repeat those mistakes. This time, we insist on full respect for the APC Constitution.”
Musa Garba then declared that,
“Democracy, fairness, and transparency are the foundation of party unity and strength. We will not accept any process that undermines our constitutional rights as members of the All Progressives Congress.”
