APC Primaries: Group Alleges Plot to Arm-Twist Members in Yobe
Grassroots members raise alarm over alleged seizure of party registration cards ahead of governorship primaries
By Our Correspondent In Damaturu
A group under the aegis of Yobe Concerned Citizens has raised serious allegations against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, accusing it of attempting to manipulate the outcome of the forthcoming governorship primaries.
In a statement made available to journalists, the group described as “sad and alarming” reports that party officials are allegedly compelling members across the state to surrender their membership registration cards ahead of the primaries scheduled for the end of the month.
According to the group, the development follows what it termed a failed attempt by some party leaders to impose the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, as the party’s preferred candidate without recourse to a transparent primary election process.
The plan, it said, was strongly resisted by party members and other aspirants.
The statement expressed concern that the ongoing collection of membership cards, particularly at the grassroots level, could be part of a broader strategy to disenfranchise loyal members and manipulate the process in favour of selected individuals.
“It is suspicious that members are being asked to surrender their cards without any clear justification, especially at a critical time like this,” the group stated..
The group further alleged that if the primaries are conducted using the direct method, the seized cards could be redistributed to selected loyalists to influence voting outcomes, thereby undermining internal democracy.
Describing the situation as a potential “daylight robbery,” the group warned that such actions could amount to imposition and denial of the rights of party members to freely choose their candidate.
While calling on the national leadership of the APC to urgently intervene, the group also advised members not to surrender their membership cards under any circumstance.
It added that it would not hesitate to seek legal action against individuals found culpable of unlawfully collecting or confiscating membership cards.
The APC leadership in Yobe State is yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
