Massive Resignation Hits APC As State Chairman, Secretary, Others Step Down
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.
