The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has recently witnessed the mass resignation of key State Working Committee (SWC) members.
This development is believed to be closely linked to alleged threats, intimidation, and a self-centred leadership style attributed to the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago.
Our correspondent has reliably gathered that the state executives were reportedly threatened by the party leader in the state.
This leader was reportedly discontent with the existing party structure, which had been established by his predecessor. Allegedly, the leader issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the SWC members to resign or face public humiliation.
The former State Chairman of the ruling APC, Hon. Haliru Zakari Jinkatoro, announced his resignation before the executive members of the party in the state, immediately after the maiden National Executive Council meeting of the party in Abuja.
He claimed his resignation was a voluntary and conviction-driven decision.
Subsequently, the state secretary, Barr. Ibrahim Khaleed Paiko also resigned, and the latest to step down is the state vice chairman of the party, Comrade Abdulsalam Madaki.
Other members are reportedly considering resigning as well, as the situation continues to unfold.
There are insinuations that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago allegedly threatened the former state party chairman before the last general elections held between February 25th and March 18th, 2023.
Sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity revealed that the state party executives and others were accused of undermining the incumbent Governor during the party’s Governorship primaries.
These accusations stemmed from their purported support for Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi in the party’s governorship primary election.
As a result, the incumbent Governor is said to be uncomfortable working with them.
Reportedly, Governor Bago indicated that he would remove the party officials and replace them with his loyalists in order to assert control over the party in the state.
A reliable source not willing to be named stated, “The Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has been the mastermind behind the ongoing intra-party crisis dividing the APC into ‘APC One’ and ‘APC Two’ divisions.
His intentions seem to be aimed at monopolising the party for his personal gains. Look at how he’s even hired private bodyguards. He is acting like a tyrant.”
The same source further disclosed that the final straw for the former State Party Chairman, Hon. Haliru Zakari Jikantoro, was when he was purportedly presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a ministerial position by the party.
However, this proposal was turned down, and Senator Abdullahi Sabi was appointed instead by the governor. This reportedly caused dissatisfaction for the former party chairman.
When approached for comments, the State APC Publicity Secretary, Labaran Musa Sarkin-Kaji, explained that the resignations were motivated by personal reasons and were voluntary.
He also stated that he was unaware of any other reasons and regarded the allegations made by opponents of the governor, who is also the party leader in the state, as mere speculation.
Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Ibrahim Bologi, declined to comment on the allegations raised against his boss.
He maintained that he was unaware of the situation and dismissed the allegations as baseless speculation.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
VIDEO: Alema of Warri buys customised 2023 Maybach for wife, Natasha
Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, in Delta, has bought a new vehicle worth millions of…
Call on God to kill me if … — Pastor Adeboye
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has said to call on God to kill him if…
Military rejects requests to topple Tinubu’s Government — DHQ
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, has rejected requests by Coup instigators to topple the democratically elected Government of…
Petrol pump price may jump to N750/litre — IPMAN
The association’s national spokesperson, Mr. Chinedu Ukadike gave the hint while speaking to…
#BBNaijaAllstars: Food crisis looms as housemates lose weekly wager
Big Brother Naija All stars Housemates have lost the first Wager task, which means for the next week, there will be…
Heavyweight bout: Anthony Joshua knocks out Robert Helenius in seventh round
Robert Helenius was defeated by Anthony Joshua at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday after..
