Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Sokoto State have urged the party’s national leadership to address what they describe as a silent crisis within the state chapter.
The call was made by Comrade Faruk A. Shehu, who spoke on behalf of the party’s stakeholders in a statement issued to the press in Kaduna on Friday.
Shehu expressed concern over the way the party is being managed in Sokoto, warning that failure to resolve internal conflicts could result in the APC losing the state in the 2027 elections.
The stakeholders highlighted that certain key figures who played a pivotal role in the party’s success during the 2023 elections have been sidelined. They particularly pointed to the exclusion of Senators Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba and Ibrahim Lamido, both of whom have significant political influence in the state.
Senator Danbaba, who represented Sokoto South Senatorial District in the 8th and 9th Senate, and Senator Lamido, who is currently representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, were both singled out in the statement. The stakeholders emphasized Danbaba’s crucial role in ensuring the APC’s victory in the state, noting that he had used his personal resources and political experience to secure the party’s success.
Despite his contributions, the statement alleged that Senator Danbaba has been ignored and marginalized at both the state and federal levels, with no compensation for his efforts. It was also noted that his 2023 senatorial election was reportedly sabotaged in favor of his opponent. The stakeholders expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for Danbaba, who they believe deserves a ministerial appointment due to his experience and contributions to the party.
The statement further pointed out that none of Danbaba’s supporters were appointed to key positions, such as commissioners, special advisers, or local government chairmen, despite his significant contribution to the party’s victory in the 2023 elections.
Comrade Shehu warned that if the party leadership does not address these grievances, Senator Danbaba’s exit from the APC could lead to the party’s defeat in the upcoming 2027 elections, particularly due to his strong grassroots support in the Sokoto South Senatorial District. He called on the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to take swift action and ensure Senator Danbaba receives the recognition he deserves.
The stakeholders concluded by stating that if the issue is not promptly addressed, Senator Danbaba’s supporters may resort to staging a peaceful protest to demand changes in the management of the party in Sokoto State.
According to the statement, “Danbaba represented Sokoto South Senatorial District in the 8th and 9th Senate, while Senator Ibrahim Lamido is representing Sokoto East Senatorial District in the current National Assembly.”
The stakeholders emphasised that the duo are important figures in the party, especially noting “Senator Danbaba’s crucial role in ensuring the APC’s victory in the state, utilizing his personal resources and experience to secure the party’s success.”
However, the statement alleged that “despite his massive contributions, Senator Danbaba has been ignored or sidelined without any compensation at the state and federal levels.”
“This is notwithstanding his acknowledgment of how his 2023 senatorial election was sabotaged in favor of his opponent.”
Comrade Shehu further stated that “Senator Danbaba’s experience makes him deserving of a ministerial slot, but he was not granted one.
“Additionally, none of his supporters were appointed as commissioners, special advisers, or local government chairmen, despite his massive contribution of about 45% of the votes the party received in the 2023 elections.
