The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State is currently facing a deepening internal crisis due to a power struggle between supporters of the Minister of Defense, Mohammed Abubakar Badal, and Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi.
Naija News reports that Mr. Jigawa, once known for his stable political environment, is now embroiled in a conflict that could disrupt both the party’s supremacy and the governance of the country. Analysts warn that if the division continues, it could pave the way for opposition parties to gain more influence in the state.
The conflict began after Dhanmodi succeeded Badal, who ruled the state for eight years. Previously seen as a loyal deputy to Mr. Badal, Mr. Dhanmodi is now engaged in a fight to consolidate his control over the party and governance.
According to Daily Trust, many important positions in the Dhanmodi government, including lieutenant governor, commissioner and advisor, are held by Badal supporters. Moreover, while most state assembly members are aligned with Mr. Badal, the speaker is a close ally of Mr. Dhanmodi. This creates a difficult political situation for governors who have taken steps to assert their influence.
A major change took place during the recent municipal elections, with the newly elected chairperson reportedly loyal to Mr. Dhanmodi. By securing control at the grassroots level, Mr. Dhanmodi has strengthened his political base, but Mr. Badal’s supporters still wield significant influence in the legislative and executive branches.
The conflict spread to the youth wing of the APC. Late last year, a faction led by Ahmad Magaji Bashir denounced party loyalty and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider Badal’s appointment as defense minister.
“We are deeply disappointed by Mr. Badal’s failure to support the party’s policies in Jigawa. His actions are more aligned with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) than advancing the interests of the APC. “It appears that they are doing so,” Bashir argued.
In contrast, the APC Students and Youth Awareness Forum defended Badal and called for unity, stressing the need for cooperation between the governor and ministers to benefit the people of Jigawa.
Governor denies rift
Governor Dhanmodi has downplayed the reported tensions within the party. Upon returning from vacation, he denied allegations of a split and reiterated his commitment to unity.
“During my absence, some undesirable human events took place.The All Progressives Congress (APC) has one party in Jigawa State and I am committed to maintaining its unity.Leader As such, we must remain focused and not get distracted,” he said.
He also urged party members to remain patient and united and warned against individuals seeking to cause instability.
divided party leadership
Despite Dhanmodi’s reassurances, opinions within the party leadership appear to be divided. APC state chairman, Aminu Sani Gumel, expressed support for the governor, while party secretary, Muhammad Dikma Umar, highlighted the ongoing challenges. Umar acknowledged that there had been efforts to create divisions, but insisted they had been resolved.
“There was an attempt and we dealt with it. How can me and the chairman part? But if the chairman brings up something that is against party rules and laws, of course we will not allow it.” Umar said.
He criticized individuals with personal agendas for weakening the party and called for fairness and wisdom among party leaders.
Attempts to reach Aminu Sani Gumel for comment on these issues were unsuccessful. However, he had previously stressed continuity with Badal’s work and called on party members to support Dhanmodi’s government.