Crisis looms in Sokoto APC as CPC bloc alleges marginalization

A fresh crisis is threatening the unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, as members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have accused the party of sidelining them in its affairs.

The CPC bloc, led by Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Gusau, claims that despite constituting the majority of APC members in the state, they have been excluded from political appointments and key decision-making processes.

Gusau alleged that promises of ministerial, special assistant, and board chairman slots made to them by former President Muhammadu Buhari were never fulfilled.

At a reunion meeting held across the 23 local governments of the state on Saturday, the bloc warned that continued neglect could force them to seek alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The CPC family in Sokoto has been marginalized for too long.

“If this continues, we will not hesitate to explore other options to achieve our aspirations,” Gusau said.

The development comes amid growing concerns that President Bola Tinubu’s leadership has strengthened the influence of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) bloc within the APC, leaving CPC loyalists increasingly dissatisfied.

Party stakeholders have also linked the crisis to the rivalry between Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Senator Ibrahim Lamido, which has split Sokoto APC into two factions.

Analysts warn that if left unresolved, the crisis could jeopardize the APC’s chances in Sokoto during the 2027 polls.

The CPC bloc’s grievances extend beyond appointments to accusations of exclusion from strategic decisions within the party.

Their discontent, observers note, could destabilize the APC’s stronghold in the North-West.

APC’s national chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, has been urged to intervene and reconcile the factions.

Party leaders fear that failure to act swiftly may trigger an implosion that could weaken the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.