Tensions are mounting within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as seven aspirants in Abuja’s Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have rejected the outcome of the party’s recent delegate congress, branding it as illegitimate and calling for its cancellation.
At a press briefing on Monday, the disgruntled aspirants alleged that the delegate selection process on 21st June 2025 was riddled with malpractice, favouritism, and manipulation by party insiders, effectively excluding long-standing APC loyalists.
“This was not a congress—it was a hijack of the democratic process,” said Hon. Yamawo Ishaku Tanko, speaking on behalf of the coalition of aspirants. “It was tailored to deliver a predetermined outcome and marginalise real contributors to the party’s success.”
The other signatories include Hon. Samuel Joseph Gainako, Hon. Abdulhakeem Babale Bello, Hon. Barr. Dauda Zhidu, Hon. Jennifer Ozioma Nnamudi, Hon. Saeed Alhassan Haske, and Hon. Barr. Sylvanus Tanko Piwoyi.
The group accused party officials of using a pre-selected list of delegates—many of whom, they claim, had only recently defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—to pave the way for the re-election of the current AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
“It is an insult to the founding principles of our party that loyal APC members are being sidelined in favour of opportunistic returnees,” said Tanko. “This is a betrayal of the values of inclusion, transparency and internal democracy that President Tinubu stands for.”
They warned that unless corrective measures are taken urgently, the credibility of the APC in the Federal Capital Territory could be seriously undermined.
The group demanded that the APC national secretariat immediately nullify the congress and organise a new, credible delegate selection process. They also urged President Tinubu to intervene and safeguard the party’s reputation.
“We remain committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda, but hope cannot be renewed through deceit,” they stated.
