According to Jaji, the exercise fell short of democratic standards and was marred by deliberate interference from individuals within the party’s leadership. He alleged that officials dispatched from the APC National Headquarters colluded with local actors to manipulate the process, sidelining legitimate members who had duly purchased nomination forms. “What was meant to be a transparent exercise turned into a charade,” he stated. “Many of our members were unjustly excluded, while individuals with no genuine affiliation to the APC were allowed to participate.”
The lawmaker further claimed that some participants in the congresses were actually members of opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he said violated the APC’s internal regulations. He expressed dismay over what he described as a disregard for due process and warned that such actions could deepen divisions within the party ahead of future elections. “If left unchecked, these irregularities will only breed resentment and weaken the party’s cohesion,” he remarked.
In his appeal for intervention, Jaji called on key party figures, including the Minister of State for Defence and Zamfara’s political leader, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to address the situation before it escalates. He urged the APC National Chairman and the National Working Committee to annul the disputed congresses and conduct fresh ones that reflect the true will of party members. “We cannot afford a repeat of the 2019 crisis, which nearly tore the party apart in Zamfara,” he said. “The leadership must act swiftly to restore confidence among members.”
Additionally, Jaji appealed to the reconciliation committee set up by the President to mediate lingering disputes within the APC, emphasizing the need for fairness and inclusivity. He stressed that the party’s strength lies in its ability to uphold internal democracy and ensure that all voices are heard. “The APC must lead by example,” he asserted. “We cannot preach democracy to Nigerians while failing to practice it within our own ranks.”
The lawmaker’s rejection of the congress results adds to growing concerns about the transparency of internal party processes in Nigeria. Similar complaints have emerged in other states, raising questions about the mechanisms in place to ensure credible elections at the grassroots level. Analysts suggest that unresolved disputes could have long-term implications for the APC’s electoral prospects, particularly in regions where internal divisions have previously cost the party key positions.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the party’s national leadership responds. The outcome could set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in the future, either reinforcing trust in the system or further eroding confidence in the party’s commitment to democratic principles. For now, Jaji and other aggrieved members remain hopeful that their grievances will be addressed, but they have also signaled their readiness to explore other options if the party fails to act.
The situation in Zamfara highlights broader challenges within Nigeria’s political landscape, where internal party contests often mirror the intensity and controversies of general elections. Observers note that without meaningful reforms, such conflicts may persist, undermining the stability of political parties and, by extension, the democratic process itself. For Jaji and his supporters, the immediate priority is ensuring that the APC’s internal processes reflect fairness and respect for the rule of law—a demand they believe is non-negotiable for the party’s survival and success.
