The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducts its state congress in Kebbi State, returning Abubakar Kana as chairman for a second term amid notable absence of three senators who recently defect from the opposition.
Mediaplusng.com reports that more than 1,000 delegates drawn from the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State participate in the congress held in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. The exercise brings together party stakeholders, leaders, and grassroots representatives in what officials describe as a crucial step in strengthening internal party structures ahead of future political activities.
The congress is attended by top APC figures in the state, led by Governor Nasir Idris, alongside party executives and members from across the state. However, three senators who recently defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC are absent from the gathering, a development that draws attention among party faithful and observers.
Mediaplusng.com gathers that the chairman of the state congress committee, Modibbo Bello, confirms that the exercise is conducted peacefully and largely through a consensus arrangement. He explains that the process takes place under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines and party regulations.
According to Bello, consensus remains the dominant method adopted during the congress, allowing delegates and stakeholders to agree on candidates for various party positions without the need for contested voting. He commends party members for their cooperation and orderly conduct throughout the exercise.
In his remarks, Governor Idris congratulates those elected and praises the committee sent from Abuja for overseeing what he describes as a transparent and credible congress. He acknowledges the contributions of former governors of Kebbi State from 1999 to 2023, stating that their efforts lay the foundation for unity and stability within the party.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the governor urges party members to maintain cohesion and work collectively toward consolidating the APC’s presence in Kebbi State. He describes the congress as one of the most organized in the country and emphasizes the importance of unity as the party prepares for future political engagements.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the absence of three senators generates political interest. The lawmakers—Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central; Yahaya Abdullahi, representing Kebbi North; and Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South—do not attend the congress, and none of their supporters is visibly present at the venue.
Political observers note that the trio recently defect from the PDP to the APC, a move initially viewed as strengthening the ruling party’s influence in the state. However, their absence from the congress fuels speculation about internal party dynamics and integration challenges.
Sources described as loyalists and close associates of the senators allege that since the commencement of ward and local government congresses, their members are not adequately included in the process. According to these sources, concerns arise over perceived exclusion from leadership positions at grassroots levels.
In the case of Senator Aliero, a former governor of Kebbi State, associates claim that none of his loyalists secure positions at the ward level, and similar patterns reportedly occur in the constituencies of the other two senators. The sources express uncertainty about the reasons behind the development, particularly in light of prior understandings before their defection.
Party officials, however, maintain that the congress follows due process and consensus principles agreed upon by stakeholders. They emphasize that internal party matters are resolved through dialogue and established mechanisms designed to preserve unity.
Analysts suggest that political realignments often require careful negotiation to accommodate new entrants into existing party structures. The absence of the senators at such a key event underscores the complexities that sometimes accompany defections and internal power balancing.
As the APC consolidates its leadership structure in Kebbi State, attention turns to how the party manages inclusiveness and cohesion among both longstanding members and recent defectors. The outcome is expected to influence the party’s stability and electoral prospects in the state.
For now, the successful conduct of the congress and the return of Abubakar Kana as chairman signal continuity in party leadership, even as discussions about inclusion and representation continue within APC ranks in Kebbi State.
