APC ELDERS RAISE QUESTIONS OVER PARTY ADMINISTRATION, CAMPAIGN COUNCIL STRUCTURE AND ALLEGED EXCLUSION OF GRASSROOTS STAKEHOLDERS
FROM DAMATURU, YOBE STATE
KANEEM NEWS TODAY
The internal political atmosphere within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State appears to be facing a critical moment as concerns continue to emerge over the manner in which certain party responsibilities are being handled, particularly regarding the relationship between the government machinery and the established leadership structures of the ruling party.
At the centre of the growing concerns is a fundamental question raised by Alhaji Haladu Madi (Jire), Chairman of the APC Elders Consultative Forum, who has challenged the circumstances surrounding the involvement of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje, in the announcement and coordination of the party's campaign organisational structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The question is straightforward but politically significant:
WHO AUTHORISED THE SSG TO TAKE OVER THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POLITICAL ADVISER AND THE STATE APC CHAIRMAN?
According to the concerns raised by Haladu Madi, the issue is not about opposing government authority, disrespecting the office of the Governor or questioning the legitimate role of public officials in supporting political development.
Rather, it is about protecting the integrity of the APC as a political institution, respecting its internal administrative procedures and ensuring that the responsibilities of government officials do not become confused with those constitutionally and organisationally assigned to recognised party officers.
Madi believes that a political party must be allowed to operate through its established leadership structures, with clearly defined responsibilities, proper consultation and respect for its constitution.
THE SSG AND THE QUESTION OF PARTY RESPONSIBILITY
One of the major issues attracting attention is the involvement of the SSG in the release of the Yobe APC 2027 General Elections Campaign Organisation.
Although the Governor has the political authority to provide leadership and direction to his administration and to support the party, questions have emerged over the appropriate administrative channel through which party decisions should be communicated and implemented.
The APC has an established State Working Committee, a recognised State Chairman, a Political Adviser and other relevant party officials whose responsibilities should not be overlooked.
If the party leadership has taken a decision to establish a campaign organisation, why should the responsibilities of communicating and coordinating such an arrangement become a subject of controversy?
Where is the clear distinction between government administration and party administration?
What are the responsibilities of the State APC Chairman in this arrangement?
What role is assigned to the Political Adviser?
And what is the actual relationship between the SSG's official government responsibilities and the internal administrative affairs of the APC?
These are legitimate questions that deserve clear and convincing answers.
It is important to emphasise that the office of the Secretary to the State Government is a strategic government institution responsible for coordinating government policies, administrative activities and relationships among ministries, departments and agencies.
However, the APC is a political organisation with its own constitution, leadership hierarchy and established decision-making procedures.
The two institutions may work together for political and governmental objectives, but their respective responsibilities should remain clearly understood.
THE STATE APC CHAIRMAN MUST NOT BE REDUCED TO A SYMBOLIC POSITION
Another important concern is the need to protect the authority and dignity of the Yobe State APC Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Gadaka.
The State Chairman is the recognised head of the party's state administrative structure and has a responsibility to coordinate party affairs in accordance with the party constitution and decisions of its appropriate organs.
The position should not merely exist in name while important political decisions and organisational activities are handled through other channels without adequate explanation.
If the State Chairman has approved the campaign structure, the party should communicate the process clearly to its members.
If the State Working Committee participated in its preparation, the party should explain the procedure followed.
If the Governor gave a specific directive, members deserve to understand how that directive was transmitted through the party's recognised leadership.
This is not an attempt to create conflict between the Governor and the party chairman.
On the contrary, it is a call for institutional respect, administrative clarity and political discipline.
A political party cannot build a strong democratic culture if its officers are uncertain about their responsibilities or if its members believe that decisions are being made outside the recognised structures.
The strength of the APC in Yobe State should be measured not only by the number of political appointments or campaign committees established but also by the confidence its members have in the fairness and credibility of its leadership.
THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING GOJE'S LIST
Perhaps one of the most sensitive aspects of the developing disagreement concerns the composition of the campaign committees and the alleged exclusion of important party stakeholders.
Concerns have been expressed over whether sufficient consultations were conducted before the list was prepared and whether the different political interests, geographical zones and grassroots structures received fair consideration.
The campaign organisation is expected to be a broad political platform capable of bringing together experienced politicians, former aspirants, elected representatives, party elders, youth leaders, women leaders, community mobilisers and other committed members.
It should not be perceived as the exclusive property of a particular political circle or a selected group of individuals.
The 2027 general elections will require the collective commitment of thousands of party supporters across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State.
It is therefore important that those who have invested their time, resources, energy and political influence in building the APC should feel that they have a place in the party's future.
Where there are allegations of exclusion, favouritism or inadequate consultation, the appropriate party authorities should investigate them objectively.
The issue should not be dismissed as ordinary political disagreement because unresolved grievances can gradually develop into deeper divisions.
WHERE ARE THE GRASSROOTS MOBILISERS?
A political party's real strength is not determined exclusively by the number of prominent personalities appearing on its campaign lists.
Its strength is also reflected in the commitment of grassroots members who work tirelessly in their wards, communities and local government areas.
These are the people who organise meetings, mobilise supporters, explain party policies, defend party positions and maintain contact with voters even when elections are far away.
Some of them have spent years building the APC from its earliest days.
Others have contested elections, supported party candidates, participated in political activities and contributed to the growth of the party without necessarily occupying government positions.
Their contributions should not be forgotten.
A situation in which grassroots mobilisers feel ignored or politically abandoned could create unnecessary dissatisfaction within the party.
The APC must understand that political mobilisation cannot be sustained through appointments alone.
It requires trust, recognition, consultation and a genuine sense of belonging.
Those who work at the ward and polling-unit levels should not be remembered only when the party needs votes.
They must also be recognised when responsibilities are being distributed and political structures are being established.
YOBE SOUTH AND THE QUESTION OF FAIR REPRESENTATION
The question of geographical balance is another matter that deserves serious attention.
Yobe State is politically diverse, with three senatorial districts and 17 local government areas.
Every district has its own political leaders, traditional institutions, former officeholders, elected representatives, youth organisations, women groups and grassroots political structures.
A successful campaign organisation should reflect this diversity.
Concerns have particularly been raised about the representation of stakeholders from Yobe South, including Mayina and Kara political interests, alongside former aspirants and other established grassroots political actors.
The issue is not necessarily that every individual must receive an appointment.
Rather, the process should demonstrate that every political zone and relevant stakeholder group had a reasonable opportunity to participate.
Political inclusion does not mean distributing positions without considering competence.
It means ensuring that competence, experience, loyalty, commitment and geographical balance are considered fairly.
If a particular individual is excluded, there should be understandable reasons.
If certain people are selected, the criteria should be transparent.
The APC cannot afford to create the impression that political loyalty is being measured by closeness to influential individuals rather than genuine contributions to the party.
GOVERNOR MAI MALA BUNI MUST INTERVENE
As the leader of the APC in Yobe State and the Governor of the state, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, has an important responsibility to ensure that the party remains united, disciplined and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Governor Buni has spent considerable time building the political structures of the APC in Yobe State.
His political experience, understanding of party organisation and national standing make his intervention particularly important at this stage.
The concerns raised by party elders should not be interpreted as an attack on his administration.
They should instead be regarded as an opportunity to strengthen the party before the 2027 elections.
The Governor should encourage an open dialogue involving the State APC Chairman, Political Adviser, SSG, members of the State Working Committee, party elders and representatives of the various political interests.
Such a meeting would provide an opportunity to clarify the responsibilities of the different offices and address genuine complaints surrounding the campaign organisation.
It would also demonstrate that the Governor is committed to a party structure in which consultation and collective responsibility remain central principles.
WHY THE CAMPAIGN LIST SHOULD BE REVIEWED
The demand for a review of the disputed campaign structure is not necessarily a demand to cancel the entire political arrangement.
Rather, it is an appeal for fairness, transparency and broader consultation.
If genuine mistakes were made during the preparation of the list, they should be corrected.
If certain stakeholders were unintentionally overlooked, they should be given an opportunity to present their concerns.
If there were procedural shortcomings, the appropriate party organs should address them.
The APC Elders Consultative Forum and other concerned stakeholders should be given an opportunity to contribute to the process.
A review would not weaken the party.
On the contrary, it could strengthen the confidence of members and demonstrate that the leadership is prepared to listen.
The Governor should therefore consider withdrawing the disputed list temporarily or directing the relevant party organs to review it through a transparent consultation process.
There should also be an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding its preparation, the consultations conducted, the criteria used and the individuals responsible for the final recommendations.
No individual should be condemned without evidence, but neither should legitimate questions be ignored simply because they concern influential political officeholders.
POLITICAL LOYALTY MUST NOT BE CONFUSED WITH SILENCE
One of the dangers facing political organisations is the tendency to interpret every criticism as disloyalty.
This attitude can discourage honest conversations and prevent party leaders from receiving important feedback from their members.
Loyalty to a political party does not mean surrendering the right to ask questions.
It does not mean accepting every decision without examination.
It does not mean remaining silent when established procedures appear to require clarification.
True loyalty involves protecting the institution, promoting unity and ensuring that the party remains strong enough to achieve its political objectives.
The APC belongs to its members, not to a few individuals.
Those who question certain administrative decisions should be given an opportunity to explain their concerns.
Likewise, those responsible for making decisions should be allowed to provide explanations.
This is how a democratic political organisation builds confidence and resolves internal disagreements.

THE 2027 ELECTIONS REQUIRE UNITY, NOT INTERNAL RIVALRY
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the APC in Yobe State must avoid unnecessary internal confrontations.
The party needs every committed member, regardless of political background, geographical location, previous disagreements or personal ambitions.
The coming elections will require serious mobilisation, effective communication, strategic planning and coordination across all 17 local government areas.
A divided political structure may struggle to deliver the level of collective commitment required for electoral success.
The party should therefore begin by resolving its internal concerns before they become more complicated.
Former aspirants should not be treated as political enemies simply because they contested against successful candidates.
Party elders should not be regarded as obstacles because they demand accountability.
Grassroots mobilisers should not be ignored because they do not occupy government offices.
Youth and women leaders should not be included merely for ceremonial purposes.
Every component of the party must be given meaningful recognition.
The campaign organisation should become a genuine meeting point for all APC interests in Yobe State.
THE QUESTIONS THAT REQUIRE ANSWERS
In the interest of transparency and party unity, the following questions deserve clear answers from the appropriate APC authorities:
Who formally authorised the SSG to announce and communicate the Yobe APC campaign organisation?
What specific responsibilities were assigned to the SSG, and what responsibilities remain with the State APC Chairman?
What is the role of the Political Adviser in the preparation and coordination of the campaign structure?
Was the State Working Committee adequately consulted before the list was finalised?
What criteria were used in selecting members of the campaign committees?
Were former aspirants, party elders and recognised grassroots mobilisers adequately consulted?
What steps were taken to ensure fair representation of all three senatorial districts and the 17 local government areas?
Were concerns raised by stakeholders from Yobe South, including Mayina Kara political interests, considered?
Is there any independent mechanism for reviewing complaints of exclusion or favouritism?
Will Governor Mai Mala Buni intervene to ensure that the disputed issues are resolved before the commencement of intensive campaign activities?
These questions are not intended to embarrass any individual.
They are intended to strengthen the party and protect the political interests of its members.
A CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY, NOT CONFRONTATION
The APC in Yobe State has an opportunity to demonstrate that political disagreements can be resolved through dialogue, consultation and respect for established institutions.
There is no need for unnecessary confrontation.
There is no justification for personal attacks.
There should be no attempt to intimidate or silence individuals who raise legitimate concerns about party administration.
The SSG should be allowed to explain the scope of his involvement.
The State APC Chairman should clarify the position of the party leadership.
The Political Adviser should explain the responsibilities of that office within the political structure.
The Governor should provide the necessary leadership to ensure that the interests of the party are protected.
Above all, the APC leadership must recognise that political institutions are stronger when their members believe that decisions are made fairly.
CONCLUSION: THE APC MUST BELONG TO EVERY MEMBER
The ongoing concerns should serve as a wake-up call to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Yobe State.
The party must not allow administrative misunderstandings, perceived exclusion or disagreements over political appointments to undermine the collective efforts of its members.
The 2027 elections are too important for the party to enter the campaign period with unresolved grievances.
The leadership must listen to its elders, respect its elected and appointed party officers, recognise grassroots contributions and ensure that political decisions are reached through acceptable procedures.
Governor Mai Mala Buni has the opportunity to resolve these concerns through consultation and decisive leadership.
The State APC Chairman must be allowed to perform the responsibilities of his office.
The Political Adviser must be given a clearly defined role.
The SSG must operate within the responsibilities assigned to his office.
And every party member must understand that the APC is a collective political institution whose success depends on the contributions of all its members.
THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: NO POLITICAL PARTY CAN REMAIN STRONG WHEN ITS GRASSROOTS MEMBERS FEEL ABANDONED, ITS ELDERS FEEL IGNORED AND ITS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURES ARE SURROUNDED BY QUESTIONS.
Yobe APC needs unity, fairness, transparency and collective responsibility.
The time to address these concerns is now, before internal disagreements become obstacles to the party's preparation for 2027.
ALHAJI HALADU MADI (JIRE)
Chairman, APC Elders Consultative Forum, Yobe State
FROM DAMATURU, YOBE STATE
Editorial clarification: Public reporting on the campaign structure says Governor Mai Mala Buni directed the SSG to release it on behalf of the APC Yobe State Chapter, under State Chairman Muhammad Gadaka. That distinction is important: the question raised in this commentary concerns the scope of the SSG's involvement, not an established finding that he unlawfully took over the party chairman's responsibilities.
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This version is structured as a strong political commentary while presenting allegations as concerns requiring investigation rather than proven misconduct.