By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi
If it is true that there were anti-party activities and discord between the state assembly candidate representing the Disina constituency in Shira Local Government and certain key APM stalwarts that contributed to his defeat in the recent by-election, then this matter must be urgently investigated and addressed.
This situation may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as it happened at the right time and will help leaders and stakeholders identify similar issues in other constituencies, preventing a recurrence in the future.
There are many ways to resolve this problem, but I will focus on emphasising the importance of reconciliation between aggrieved stakeholders and including everyone who matters to ensure the party’s victory as we head into the 2027 general elections.
Some might say it is too late because the candidates have already been selected, but this is actually the perfect opportunity to bring about reconciliation in the party. This matters if we remember how disunity crippled the APC after the 2015 general elections, and again in 2019 and 2023. We don’t need to allow this to happen in APM.
Observers have already begun identifying some reasons the candidate for the Disina constituency failed to make it to the state assembly. While some believe the selection process itself was faulty, others describe the candidate as disrespectful to the elders and party stakeholders of his LGA.
Furthermore, some argue that instead of supporting the die-hard loyalists who worked tirelessly for this administration’s emergence and remain faithful to this day, the administration has prioritised defectors, leaving its original supporters to wallow in discomfort. Whatever the reasons, the solutions are not far-fetched, and the time is now.
I do not need to tell the stakeholders what to do, but in my simple understanding of the matter at hand, and considering the number of constituencies in the state, which totals about forty-six (46), including the 12 National Assembly constituencies and 3 senatorial districts, bringing aggrieved party members to the negotiating table is paramount at the moment.
If ensuring that peace reigns and securing the party’s success are what led the member representing the Bogoro constituency in the State Assembly, Hon. Musa Wakili Nakwada, to relinquish his candidacy to Mr Isahaya Dangana, then similar uncomfortable decisions must be replicated elsewhere, if needed.
On supporting decampees and leaving party loyalists unattended, I must confess this administration has done very well in supporting those who worked tirelessly for its emergence. Many were appointed to strategic positions and are doing very well. However, the issue shouldn’t be ignored or discarded; there is a need to revisit it and put the house in order
While these underground touches are paramount to preventing a recurrence of the Disina experience, the campaign directorate should consider publicising His Excellency’s good works that have put the state on the path of progress as part of the campaign messages.
The achievements of this administration are unquantifiable, but unless they are displayed, the common man at the grassroots (polling unit) will never know about them; this is a must and is non-negotiable. On this, I recommend adopting the slogan: “Girman ka Akwatin Ka”.
It is also important for candidates seeking election to come together strategically and work tirelessly in their respective constituencies, as campaigning in isolation will not bode well for the party.
As the title of this post, humility costs nothing; I still insist: Sunkuya wa Wada ba Gajiyawa ba ne.
Isyaka Laminu Badamasi writes from no 555 Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.