APC Supporters in Niger State Vandalize Party Secretariat Over Alleged Candidate Imposition
APC Supporters in Niger State Vandalize Party Secretariat Over Alleged Candidate Imposition
Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State staged a protest that escalated into violence, resulting in the vandalism of the party’s secretariat. The unrest was driven by claims of candidate imposition ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 1.
What began as a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday quickly intensified, with irate party members tearing down the APC and Nigerian flags and damaging party property. Video footage captured the protesters chanting, “We are not doing!” as they entered the party office.
Reports indicate that the council chairman, Iliyasu Zakari, narrowly escaped during the turmoil, as party members rejected his bid for a second term.
Earlier, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had proposed a consensus selection process where local government areas would nominate three candidates, with him making the final choice. This approach has faced significant backlash among party supporters. Former Shiroro LGA vice-chairman Yakubu Kuta accused Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba of “hijacking the process” and imposing his aide as the official candidate.
In defense of the selection, Deputy Governor Garba’s press secretary, Ummulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, refuted these allegations, asserting that the candidate was chosen through a legitimate voting process.
