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From John Adams, Minna
The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been thrown into crisis following the outcome of the primaries/consensus as five senatorial aspirants from Niger South have rejected the reconciliatory move by Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago.
In a dramatic turn of events, they have also decided to challenge the outcome of the primary in court, saying the high level of irregularities that characterised the process cannot be swept under the carpet.
The aspirants are Adamu Alfa Abu, Senator Peter Ndalikali Jiya, Senator Bima Muhammad Enagi, who served in the ninth senate, Mamman Nami Mohammed, former chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed.
This is coming on the heels of several stakeholders’ meetings convened by the governor aimed at reconciling aggrieved members of the party after the party primaries/consensus arrangements.
Over six of such meetings had been held at the government house with various stakeholders, including all the aggrieved aspirants for various political offices in attendance.
However, the five aspirants, in a joint statement in Minna, said they had decided to disassociate themselves from the so-called reconciliation meetings by the governor and have resolved to pursue every lawful and constitutional avenue available to seek appropriate redress regarding the issues arising from the purported direct primary election.
“We firmly believe that justice pursued through due process strengthens our democracy and preserves the integrity of our institutions,” the aspirants said
According to them, the action should not be misunderstood as an act of hostility towards their great party. They maintained that the approach of seeking justice in accordance with the party guidelines and the Electoral Act should not, under any circumstances, be misconstrued as weakness or despair on their part, rather it reflects their collective desire to strengthen internal democracy, promote fairness and preserve party members’ confidence in the democratic process.”
They added that if righteousness is not achieved through the ongoing process, “we wish to emphatically state and assure our party and supporters that we still reserve our right to pursue our ultimate objective through several other means.”
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They nonetheless appeal to their supporters, especially the youths and women from Niger South, to remain peaceful, patient and law-abiding.
“We urge everyone to refrain from any action capable of disrupting public peace or creating unnecessary tension within our communities.
“Let no one take the law into his or her own hands. Let no one allow disappointment to overshadow the values of peace, unity and mutual respect for which the people of Kin-Nupe and the entire Niger South are known for,” they further added.
They commended the people of the entire senatorial zone for the overwhelming support, encouragement, prayers and confidence they have continued to repose in them, adding, “Your solidarity, sacrifices and unwavering commitment have been truly humbling and we do not take them for granted.
“We wish to specially appreciate thousands of our party members, supporters, women, elders, traditional rulers, community leaders and particularly our vibrant youths and women, who came out in large numbers during the scheduled direct primary election that never took place.
“Despite the circumstances and the disappointment experienced, your patience, discipline, maturity and peaceful conduct throughout that day and since then have demonstrated your deep commitment to democracy and to the progress of our great party,” the statement added.
The aspirants assured their supporters that they remain fully committed to the ideals of democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Constitution of our great party and the guidelines governing the conduct of party primaries.
They expressed optimism that truth, justice and fairness would ultimately prevail, stressing that “above all, we remain committed to peace, unity, development and progress of Kin-Nupe, Niger South, Niger State and our beloved country, Nigeria.”
When contacted, publicity secretary of the party in the state, Mallam Musa Sarkinkaji, said the party was not aware of any court case arising from the primaries. “The party has not been served,” he added
