A political pressure group, Integrity Youth Alliance, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State of systematically sidelining Christian politicians in its recent political arrangements, warning that the development could weaken President Bola Tinubu’s electoral support in the state.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, and made available on Monday, the group expressed concern over the outcome of the APC primary elections in Nasarawa State, alleging that the process overwhelmingly favoured Muslim aspirants while excluding qualified Christian contestants.
The group said the emergence of Muslim candidates for the governorship position and all three senatorial tickets had raised fears among Christian stakeholders, who believe that religious balance and inclusiveness within the party has been undermined.
It described Nasarawa State as one with a significant Christian population and said it was troubling that the primaries were allegedly structured in a way that disadvantaged Christian politicians. The alliance also cited the disqualification of Mrs Angela Aya Bako, who sought to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election, as one of the incidents that heightened grievances.
It further pointed to the replacement of Deputy Governor Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe with Abubakar Nalaraba for the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat as another example of what it described as unequal treatment of Christian politicians within the APC structure in the state.
The group recalled a petition earlier submitted by the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in Nasarawa State, which urged Governor Abdullahi Sule and APC leaders to ensure equal opportunities for all party members regardless of religious affiliation. It said recent developments suggest those concerns were ignored.
The alliance warned that the perceived exclusion of Christians from key political positions could have serious consequences, especially in future elections conducted alongside National Assembly polls. It claimed that some Christian voters may consider supporting alternative political parties that demonstrate greater religious inclusion.
It also referenced the 2023 presidential election results in Nasarawa State, noting that the APC polled 172,922 votes while the Labour Party scored 191,361 votes, suggesting that the outcome reflected dissatisfaction with the party’s political decisions in the state.
The group further raised concerns over speculation about internal political alignments within the state APC structure, including reports of an alleged meeting between Governor Abdullahi Sule and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Saudi Arabia earlier in the year, saying such developments had fueled tension among party supporters.
It urged President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and other party leaders to intervene and ensure fairness in the distribution of senatorial tickets and other elective positions.
According to the group, the APC’s founding principles of justice, inclusion, and equal opportunity must be upheld to maintain unity and strengthen the party’s electoral chances in Nasarawa State and across Nigeria.
The allegations come amid growing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with debates over religious representation and power-sharing continuing to shape political conversations in several parts of the country.
Post a Comment
Please drop a comment and use the Social Media Buttons below to share to friends and family.