By Salim Sadam
The recent resignation of Farouk Mustapha from the ruling Allied People's Movement (APM) in Bauchi state will no doubt trigger intense political discussions across the state. Speculation surrounding Farouk's possible move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has equally generated concerns among party members who believe that the party's long-term interests must take precedence over any immediate political calculations.
Political parties are not temporary arrangements created solely for election contests, but they are institutions built painstakingly over many years through sacrifice, dedication, consistency, and loyalty. Every successful political organisation derives its strength from members who remain there during difficult periods, defend the party's principles, and invest their time, energy, and resources in building structures from the grassroots to the highest levels.
The APC in Bauchi State has no shortage of such loyal and committed individuals. For years, numerous party faithfuls have remained steadfast despite political disappointments and challenging circumstances. They have organised, mobilised, and sustained the party's presence across the state while patiently hoping that their commitment and sacrifices would eventually be recognised.
It is therefore understandable that many members may question the wisdom of immediately granting influence, strategic opportunities, or privileged positions to someone like Farouk Mustapha who only recently resigned from another political platform. Such a decision risks creating the impression that loyalty, perseverance, and years of sacrifice are of little value within the party.
No political organisation can afford to undermine the confidence of its committed members. When those who have spent years building the party begin to feel overlooked in favour of recent entrants, frustration and resentment become inevitable. Such sentiments have the potential to weaken internal cohesion, discourage grassroots participation, and diminish the enthusiasm of dedicated party faithful.
The circumstances surrounding political defections also deserve careful examination. Whenever politicians like Farouk move from one platform to another, questions should arise regarding their motivations. Party members are often concerned about whether such decisions are based on conviction and shared principles or on the pursuit of personal political opportunities.
Many APC supporters would argue that the party should avoid creating a culture in which politicians can simply move between parties and expect immediate influence or strategic advantages. Strong institutions like the APC party should be based on fairness, consistency, and the visible reward of loyalty and commitment.
There is also the matter of political value and electoral contribution.
Before any defector is considered for significant roles, it is reasonable for the party to assess the practical benefits such an individual may bring. Politics is measured not merely by public visibility, but by capacity, grassroots support, electoral performance, and the ability to mobilise people effectively.
For record, many critics of Farouk Mustapha have pointed to his role as Director General of the Bauchi State PDP Campaign Council during the 2023 general elections and contend that the outcomes of that period raise questions about his political influence and mobilisation capacity including perceptions regarding his influence in his country home of Katagum Local Government Area, should encourage the APC to make a careful and realistic assessment of his present political standing before considering him of any strategic role.
Regardless of differing opinions on these matters, one reality remains indisputable: the APC already possesses numerous capable, experienced, and loyal members who have dedicated years of service to the party. These individuals have built networks within their communities, defended the party's interests, and patiently waited for opportunities to contribute at higher levels of responsibility.
Granting strategic opportunities to recent entrants ahead of longstanding members could inadvertently close doors for those who have consistently worked for the growth and survival of the APC. Such a development would send an unfortunate message that loyalty and perseverance are secondary considerations in the party's internal arrangements.
This opinion does not suggest that any citizen should be denied the constitutional right to seek membership in a political party. Freedom of association remains a fundamental democratic principle that must be respected.
However, membership and immediate entitlement to positions or influence are entirely different matters. Trust, leadership opportunities, and political responsibility are ordinarily earned through demonstrated commitment and meaningful contributions over time.
At this critical stage in the party's evolution, the Bauchi APC and its gubernatorial candidate must place a premium on preserving internal harmony and rewarding those who have remained committed through years of political struggle and service. The strength of the APC will not be determined merely by its ability to attract new entrants, but by its willingness to protect the confidence and aspirations of those who built and sustained it.
The challenge before the party leadership is therefore clear: any decision regarding recent defectors must be guided by fairness, strategic judgment, and the long-term interests of the APC.
In politics, loyalty is a valuable currency, and no political organisation should allow it to be devalued. The future of the APC in Bauchi State will depend largely on its ability to preserve its principles, maintain unity, and assure its longstanding members that their sacrifices and commitment remain meaningful and appreciated.
Ultimately, the future of the APC in Bauchi State will be determined not simply by who seeks entry into the party, but by how effectively the party preserves its values, rewards loyalty, and protects the aspirations of the countless members who have stood by it through difficult times. For many party faithful, this principle should remain paramount in considering any future relationship with Farouk Mustapha or any other recent political defector.
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