By Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi APC Concerned Citizens have called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the conduct of a free, fair, transparent, and credible Ward Congress across Bauchi State.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Chairman of the group, Musa Garba Khalid, said the appeal was necessary ahead of the forthcoming party congresses. He urged the National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) to strictly adhere to the APC Constitution and democratic principles throughout the process.
According to him, members of the group are deeply concerned based on past experiences. "Our concern is not speculative; it is rooted in painful experience. During previous Ward Congresses in Dass, Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro, Bauchi, and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas, internal disputes were poorly managed and eventually ended up in court.
"These crises created deep divisions within the party, fostered mistrust among members, caused financial and reputational damage, and contributed significantly to our electoral setbacks in some of these areas. We cannot afford a repeat of that history," he said.
Khalid cited provisions of the APC Constitution, noting that Article 20 clearly states that party officers at all levels must emerge through democratic elections. While Article 20(3) allows for consensus, he stressed that such an arrangement is only valid when all aspirants voluntarily agree.
"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," he stated.
He further referenced Article 9 of the party’s constitution, which guarantees every member the right to vote and be voted for, as well as the right to fairness and equal treatment in party affairs.
"Any process that undermines these rights weakens the party and fuels internal conflict," he added.
The group also expressed serious concern over reports that Bauchi APC stakeholders, during a meeting in Abuja, proposed swapping certain key party positions to the Bauchi North Senatorial District instead of ensuring a fair and balanced distribution across the state's three senatorial zones.
They condemned the alleged move, describing it as lacking transparency and raising serious questions about fairness and motive.
"Our fear is that such arrangements may be aimed at marginalising or witch-hunting certain individuals within the party. If this practice extends to the Ward and Local Government Congresses, it will erode trust and weaken party loyalty," Musa warned.
The group further expressed concern that some individuals who have held party positions for as long as eight years are seeking to continue in the same offices, contrary to the spirit of internal democracy.
"Of particular concern is a legal practitioner serving as the party’s Legal Adviser, who is expected to guide the party on the dangers and illegality of violating its rules. Unfortunately, instead of safeguarding those rules, he appears to be at the forefront of bending them for personal interest. This is dangerous to internal democracy and sets a wrong precedent," he said.
The concerned members called for strict adherence to internal democratic principles, including allowing officers who have served two terms to step aside for new leadership to emerge.
They emphasised that where consensus is adopted, it must be voluntary, transparent, and inclusive, not imposed or manipulated. They also demanded that all ward-level members be consulted, with full inclusion of women, youths, elders, and other party blocs to promote unity and collective ownership of the process.
The group therefore urged the National Chairman and the NWC to deploy neutral and independent monitoring committees, prevent any substitution or manipulation of ward-level outcomes, and sanction any individual found violating the APC Constitution.
"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.
"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 APC," the group declared.
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