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  • Bauchi APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Reject Alleged Plot To Impose Lawmaker Over Female Aspirant!

    Bauchi APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Reject Alleged Plot To Impose Lawmaker Over Female Aspirant!

    Reported by Fasesan Marian opeyemi | Editor-in-Chief at Sele Media Africa.

    BAUCHI, Nigeria— Fresh protests have erupted in Bauchi State following allegations that leaders of the All Progressives Congress are attempting to impose a preferred male lawmaker while sidelining a female aspirant contesting for the House of Representatives seat, deepening internal party divisions and raising questions about democratic fairness.

    Demonstrators, including party supporters and women’s advocacy groups, gathered at the APC state secretariat on Thursday, accusing some stakeholders of undermining internal democracy and frustrating female political participation ahead of upcoming elections. The protesters called for a transparent and inclusive selection process, warning that any attempt to impose candidates could fracture the party further.

    The development has intensified political tensions in Bauchi, with observers describing the controversy as another major test of gender inclusion and democratic fairness within Nigeria’s political system, where women remain significantly underrepresented in elective offices.

    Background Of The Dispute

    The crisis centres on allegations that influential APC figures in Bauchi are working to secure the party’s ticket for a male incumbent lawmaker, effectively blocking a female aspirant who has declared interest in the same House of Representatives seat. The female aspirant, whose identity has not been publicly confirmed by the party, is said to have strong grassroots support and has accused party leaders of manipulating internal processes.

    Sources familiar with the matter told Sele Media Africa that the alleged plot involves senior party officials who favour the male candidate due to political loyalty and financial considerations. The female aspirant has reportedly submitted her nomination papers and met all party requirements, but faces resistance from a faction that views her candidacy as a threat to established power structures.

    “This is not about qualifications or capacity. It is about power and control,” a party insider who requested anonymity told Sele Media Africa. “Some leaders are uncomfortable with a woman challenging the status quo, especially one who is not beholden to them.”

    Protests And Demands

    On Thursday, protesters carrying placards reading “No To Imposition,” “Let Women Contest,” and “APC Must Respect Internal Democracy” marched through Bauchi metropolis before converging at the party secretariat. The demonstration was peaceful but charged, with women’s groups playing a prominent role in leading chants and delivering speeches.

    Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, a spokesperson for the Coalition of Bauchi Women for Democracy, told Sele Media Africa that the protest was necessary to hold party leaders accountable.

    “We are here to demand that our voices are heard. Women in Bauchi have been marginalised for too long in political processes. The APC must not become a platform for silencing female aspirants,” Mohammed said.

    Another protester, Ibrahim Usman, a youth leader in the party, said the alleged imposition could cost the APC support in the general elections.

    “If the party continues to impose candidates, especially against a qualified female aspirant, many of us will reconsider our support. We want a level playing field for all,” Usman said.

    Political Analysis: Power Dynamics And Implications

    The Bauchi APC crisis is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of internal party conflicts across Nigeria, where candidate selection processes often become battlegrounds for competing political interests. The controversy highlights the tension between party hierarchy and grassroots democracy, a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

    Political analysts say the Bauchi case is particularly significant because it combines two sensitive issues: internal party democracy and gender inclusion. Nigeria ranks among the lowest in the world for women’s political representation, with women holding less than 6 percent of seats in the National Assembly after the 2023 elections.

    “This is a test case for the APC in Bauchi,” said Dr. Fatima Abubakar, a political scientist at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University. “How the party handles this dispute will send a strong signal about its commitment to internal democracy and gender equity. If female aspirants are consistently blocked, it discourages other women from participating.”

    The crisis also exposes factional divisions within the Bauchi APC, which has struggled to maintain unity since the 2023 elections. The party lost several key positions in the state to the Peoples Democratic Party, and internal bickering has hampered efforts to rebuild.

    Party Response And Reactions

    The APC leadership in Bauchi has not issued an official statement on the allegations. However, a party official who spoke to Sele Media Africa on condition of anonymity denied any plot to impose candidates, describing the protests as the work of “disgruntled elements.”

    “The APC is committed to free and fair primaries. No candidate has been imposed. The party will follow its constitution and guidelines,” the official said.

    But critics argue that the party’s track record tells a different story. In several states, APC primaries have been marred by allegations of manipulation, vote buying, and imposition of candidates favoured by powerful governors or party chieftains.

    The female aspirant at the centre of the dispute has not granted interviews but has reportedly engaged lawyers to explore legal options if the party fails to conduct a transparent primary.

    Legal And Institutional Dimensions

    Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to conduct direct or indirect primaries to select candidates for elective offices. The law also mandates that party nomination processes be transparent and fair. However, enforcement remains weak, and internal party disputes are often resolved through political bargaining rather than legal recourse.

    Women’s rights groups have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to monitor party primaries more closely and sanction parties that violate gender equity provisions. Nigeria’s National Gender Policy recommends 35 percent affirmative action for women in political positions, but this has not been legislated into binding law.

    “The legal framework exists, but implementation is the problem,” said Barrister Chidi Okafor, a constitutional lawyer. “Parties often ignore their own constitutions and electoral laws because there are no consequences. Until INEC takes a firm stance, these violations will continue.”

    Pan-African And Global Significance

    The Bauchi APC crisis reflects a broader challenge facing democracies across Africa: how to ensure that political parties remain vehicles for genuine representation rather than instruments of elite control. From Kenya to Ghana to South Africa, women and young people continue to face systemic barriers to political participation, even as constitutional provisions guarantee equality.

    International observers have noted that Nigeria’s democratic consolidation depends on strengthening internal party democracy and increasing women’s representation. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Maputo Protocol both commit member states to gender parity in political participation, but progress has been slow.

    “What happens in Bauchi is being watched beyond Nigeria,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a gender and governance expert at the Centre for Democracy and Development. “If a major party like the APC cannot manage a simple primary without controversy, it undermines confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and sends a negative signal across the continent.”

    What Happens Next

    The APC has not announced a date for its primaries in Bauchi, but party sources indicate that screening of aspirants will begin within weeks. The female aspirant has vowed to pursue her candidacy through all available channels, including legal action if necessary.

    Political observers expect the crisis to escalate if the party fails to address the protesters’ demands. Some analysts warn that the dispute could split the Bauchi APC ahead of the general elections, potentially benefiting opposition parties.

    For now, the protesters have pledged to continue their demonstrations until the party guarantees a fair process. The spotlight remains on Bauchi as a test case for democracy and gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.

    SOURCES

    • Channels Television
    • Premium Times
    • Daily Trust
    • TheCable
    • Vanguard Nigeria
    • Interviews with protesters, party insiders, and analysts conducted by Sele Media Africa

  • APC Reschedules Zamfara National Assembly Primaries Ahead of 2026 Electoral Build-Up!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu, | Journalist at Sele Media Africa


    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially rescheduled its National Assembly primary elections in Zamfara State, shifting the exercise to new dates in May 2026 as internal consultations, political realignments, and strategic preparations intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle.
    The decision, announced by party officials and circulated through internal communication channels, has triggered fresh political conversations within Zamfara’s APC structure, particularly among aspirants contesting for Senate and House of Representatives tickets under the party’s platform. The postponement is being interpreted by analysts and stakeholders as both a logistical adjustment and a strategic political move designed to stabilize the party’s internal processes in one of Nigeria’s politically sensitive states.
    Zamfara has remained a major battleground in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape due to its complex security challenges, shifting alliances, and recurring legal disputes surrounding party primaries and candidate legitimacy. Against this backdrop, the APC leadership appears determined to avoid procedural errors that could generate litigation or weaken the party’s chances in future elections.
    Party insiders disclosed that the rescheduling became necessary following consultations among national and state leaders, concerns raised by aspirants, and the need to ensure wider participation and transparency during the delegate-based selection process. Although APC officials have not publicly framed the move as a response to internal disagreements, observers say it reflects growing efforts by the party to maintain cohesion amid heightened competition for federal legislative positions.
    According to party sources familiar with the development, the revised timetable affects all National Assembly primary activities in Zamfara, including screening adjustments, delegate coordination, and administrative preparations tied to the conduct of the exercise. Stakeholders within the party say the additional time is expected to reduce tension among competing factions and allow the APC to strengthen consensus-building mechanisms before voting begins.
    Political observers note that Zamfara’s APC structure has historically experienced episodes of internal conflict, especially regarding candidate selection and leadership control. These tensions became nationally significant during previous election cycles when disputes over party primaries led to legal complications that affected the APC’s electoral fortunes in the state.
    Analysts believe the party’s current caution reflects lessons learned from past controversies, particularly the legal and administrative crises that once denied the APC electoral victories in Zamfara despite its widespread grassroots support. The party leadership is therefore under pressure to ensure that all processes surrounding the primaries comply strictly with electoral regulations and party guidelines.
    Within the APC, aspirants contesting for Senate seats across Zamfara’s three senatorial districts Zamfara North, Zamfara Central, and Zamfara West are reportedly intensifying consultations with delegates, local party executives, and influential stakeholders. Several aspirants seeking House of Representatives tickets are also said to be mobilizing support across local government areas while awaiting the revised schedule.
    Political strategists argue that the postponement could alter campaign calculations among aspirants. Those with stronger grassroots networks may use the extended period to consolidate support, while newcomers and less-established contenders may see the delay as an opportunity to negotiate alliances and improve visibility within the party structure.
    The development comes at a time when political activities are gradually gaining momentum across Nigeria despite the next general election cycle still being months away. Parties are increasingly reorganizing their internal structures, reconciling aggrieved members, and positioning influential figures ahead of what many analysts expect will be another highly competitive national contest.
    In Zamfara specifically, political dynamics remain deeply influenced by security concerns, economic hardship, and rural governance issues. Residents across several communities continue to face challenges linked to banditry, displacement, and infrastructural deficits, factors that are expected to shape political debates and campaign messaging during the primaries and eventual general elections.
    Security analysts say political parties operating in conflict-prone areas such as Zamfara must navigate both logistical and safety considerations while organizing large political gatherings. Primary elections often attract massive participation from delegates, supporters, and party officials, making security coordination a critical component of the planning process.
    Although APC officials have not explicitly linked the postponement to security threats, observers say the broader security environment in Zamfara likely influenced the decision to allow more time for coordination and risk assessment. Political meetings in some parts of the state have historically required careful planning due to instability in affected local government areas.
    Meanwhile, opposition parties in Zamfara are closely monitoring developments within the APC. Political commentators suggest that any prolonged disagreement within the ruling party could create openings for rival parties seeking to expand their influence in the state ahead of future elections.
    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside emerging political blocs and smaller parties, is expected to capitalize on any perceived division within the APC. However, analysts caution that Zamfara politics often revolve around powerful political personalities and local alliances rather than purely ideological considerations.
    Several APC stakeholders have welcomed the rescheduling, describing it as a necessary step toward ensuring credibility and inclusiveness. Some party members argue that rushed primaries could produce disputes capable of undermining party unity at a critical political moment.
    Others, however, expressed concern that repeated timetable adjustments may fuel uncertainty among aspirants and supporters. Political insiders warn that prolonged ambiguity over primary schedules can intensify speculation, encourage factional maneuvering, and increase mistrust among party loyalists.
    Despite these concerns, APC officials insist the party remains committed to conducting peaceful, transparent, and credible primaries across Zamfara State. Party leaders reportedly emphasized that the revised dates are intended to strengthen internal democracy rather than advantage any specific aspirant or faction.
    The Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is also expected to closely monitor compliance with electoral regulations governing party primaries. In Nigeria, political parties are required to conduct candidate selection processes in accordance with constitutional provisions, electoral laws, and their own internal guidelines.
    Election experts note that disputes arising from improperly conducted primaries remain one of the leading causes of post-primary litigation in Nigeria. Court battles over delegate lists, nomination procedures, and party recognition have repeatedly altered political outcomes across several states.
    For the APC in Zamfara, avoiding such legal complications has become particularly important due to the state’s unique political history. The party’s previous experiences demonstrated how internal administrative errors can produce far-reaching electoral consequences, including judicial setbacks and weakened public confidence.
    As preparations continue, party members across Zamfara are expected to intensify consultations ahead of the revised May 2026 primaries. Political meetings, grassroots mobilization, and strategic negotiations are likely to dominate the coming weeks as aspirants seek endorsements from influential stakeholders within the APC hierarchy.
    Observers say the outcome of the National Assembly primaries will significantly shape the future political balance within Zamfara and potentially influence broader northern political alignments ahead of the next general elections.
    The primaries are also expected to test the leadership capacity of APC officials in the state, particularly their ability to manage competing interests while preserving party unity. Successful coordination of the exercise could strengthen the party’s standing ahead of future contests, while internal disputes could expose vulnerabilities that opposition groups may attempt to exploit.
    Across Nigeria, political analysts continue to emphasize the growing importance of internal party democracy as voters demand greater accountability, transparency, and credible leadership selection processes. How major parties conduct their primaries increasingly affects public perception and electoral legitimacy.
    For many residents in Zamfara, however, the primary concern remains whether political leaders regardless of party affiliation can address the pressing socio-economic and security challenges confronting the state. Citizens continue to demand improved infrastructure, better education, enhanced healthcare access, agricultural support, and sustainable solutions to insecurity.
    As the APC moves toward its rescheduled National Assembly primaries, the coming weeks are expected to reveal the extent of internal consensus within the party and the broader direction of Zamfara’s evolving political landscape.
    While political competition intensifies, stakeholders across the state will be watching closely to see whether the APC can successfully navigate internal pressures, avoid legal controversies, and present a united front ahead of one of the most consequential electoral periods in Nigeria’s democratic journey.


    Sources
    premiumtimesng.com
    thecable.ng
    dailytrust.com
    channelstv.com
    punchng.com


  • ACF Board Nullifies Bashir Dalhatu’s Suspension, Declares Move Illegal!

    DEVELOPING STORY — Last updated: 2026-05-11 01:06:14

    Reported by MUSA | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    ABUJA, Nigeria — The Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum has formally voided the suspension of its Chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, describing the action as unlawful, reckless, and a breach of the organisation’s constitution. The board declared that no individual or faction possesses the authority to unilaterally remove a duly elected chairman without following established procedures.

    The decision, announced on Monday, marks a significant escalation in internal tensions within one of Northern Nigeria’s most influential socio-political platforms. The board insisted that the purported suspension lacked procedural legitimacy and failed to adhere to constitutional mechanisms governing disciplinary actions.

    Constitutional Breach and Leadership Crisis

    The board’s strongly worded statement warned that actions capable of undermining institutional stability must be avoided, particularly at a time when the region faces complex political, economic, and security challenges. The trustees stressed that any grievances should be addressed through lawful and transparent channels rather than through what they termed “reckless unilateral actions.”

    The controversy emerged following reported disagreements among some forum members over leadership decisions and internal administrative matters. The board, however, maintained that such disputes must not be resolved through extra-constitutional means that threaten the forum’s credibility.

    Political Analysis: Deeper Divisions Exposed

    Political observers say the crisis reflects broader ideological and leadership fractures within Nigeria’s long-standing regional pressure groups. The ACF has historically played a major role in shaping political discourse across Northern Nigeria, often acting as a unified voice on governance, security, and national cohesion.

    Analysts note that the internal dispute comes at a particularly sensitive period. Northern stakeholders are increasingly vocal on national security failures, economic hardship, governance reforms, and power-sharing debates ahead of future political realignments. The leadership crisis within the ACF could weaken the region’s collective bargaining position in these critical national conversations.

    Pan-African Angle: Regional Stability and Democratic Norms

    The ACF’s internal crisis carries significance beyond Nigeria’s borders. Across Africa, regional and ethnic-based advocacy groups serve as important barometers of political stability and democratic health. When such institutions suffer from leadership disputes and constitutional breaches, it often signals deeper governance challenges within the broader political system.

    In many African nations, the ability of organisations to resolve internal conflicts through established rules rather than unilateral actions is a key indicator of institutional maturity. The ACF’s handling of this crisis will be watched closely by political analysts across the continent, particularly in countries like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, where similar regional platforms play influential roles in national politics.

    Call for Unity and Constitutional Order

    Despite the escalating tensions, the board called for calm, unity, and institutional discipline among members. It reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity and credibility of the forum, urging all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, mutual respect, and constitutional order in resolving internal disagreements.

    The Arewa Consultative Forum remains one of Northern Nigeria’s most prominent socio-political organisations, often speaking on matters affecting governance, regional development, and national cohesion. The board has indicated that it will take further steps to ensure constitutional compliance and prevent future breaches.

    What Happens Next

    The board is expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the underlying grievances that triggered the crisis. The suspended chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, is likely to resume his duties pending further deliberations. Political analysts anticipate that the resolution of this dispute will test the ACF’s ability to maintain relevance and unity in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.

    SOURCES

    • Punch Newspapers
    • Daily Trust
    • Vanguard Nigeria
    • Channels Television
    • TheCable Nigeria