HEALING THE RIFTS IN BAUCHI HEALING THE RIFTS IN BAUCHI APC

The Bauchi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is at a critical juncture, grappling with internal conflicts and anti-party activities that have undermined its cohesion and effectiveness since 2019. As the party seeks to reconcile its warring factions, a crucial question arises: can reconciliation be achieved without accountability?

The party’s woes are well-documented. Infighting, defections, and open support for other parties have eroded its unity and strength. In the last general elections, former Education Minister Adamu Adamu allegedly worked against the party through its former state Chairman, Babayo Aliyu. Throughout the campaign period, Aliyu was conspicuously absent, allegedly doing the bidding of the former education minister. 

Former Governor M.A. Abubakar openly supported the PDP against the APC in the last general elections. Senator Halliru Jika defected to the NNPP to fight the APC, only to return after the party lost elections. Currently, federal ministers Muhammad Ali Pate and Yusuf Maitama Tuggar are perceived to be sitting on the fence, romancing both APC and PDP in Bauchi State.

As the APC seeks to reconcile, it is essential to address these betrayals of trust. Reconciliation without accountability would be a hollow exercise, allowing defaulting members to go unpunished and undermining the party’s integrity. Party members are right to demand explanations from those who have betrayed the party’s trust. Adamu Adamu, M.A. Abubakar, Halliru Jika, Ali Pate, and Tuggar must be held accountable for their actions. Their explanations will help to heal the wounds of the past and restore trust within the party.

Reconciliation with accountability is the only way forward for the APC in Bauchi State. It will demonstrate that the party is committed to discipline, unity, and the principles that brought it to power. Anything less would be a recipe for further wrangling and division. The party leadership must take a firm stance, ensuring that reconciliation is accompanied by accountability. Only then can the APC in Bauchi State emerge stronger, more united, and better equipped to serve its members and the people.

Mukhtar Jarmajo, Wuse 2, Abuja