Crisis in Kebbi APC: Ex-Lawmaker, Nine Party Officials Suspended Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State is facing renewed internal turmoil as it announced the suspension of a former federal lawmaker, Muhammad Shehu Koko, along with nine key party officials from the Koko Local Government Area. The suspension, rooted in allegations of anti-party activities, disloyalty, and harassment of party executives, underscores ongoing factional tensions within the ruling party in the state.
Party Crisis Deepens in Koko LGA
According to a suspension letter obtained by Channels Television, the decision was endorsed by 16 local party stakeholders, including the APC Chairman of Koko LGA, Muhammad Maibarga, and the Executive Chairman of the local government, Sirajo Usman Koko. Other signatories included local party executives and ward leaders.
Those suspended alongside Shehu Koko include Muhammad Danyado (APC Vice Chairman, Koko LGA), Biyaminu Muhammad (Secretary), Talatu Zauro (Women Leader), as well as the youth leader, financial secretary, and welfare secretary. The action appears to be an aggressive move to consolidate control within the party ahead of upcoming political contests.
Though official APC state-level commentary remains muted, observers say the suspensions reveal deepening fractures within the party’s local structure fueled by personal ambitions, rivalries, and emerging realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
Suspicion of Political Witch-Hunt?
While no official statement has been released by Muhammad Shehu Koko, associates of the former lawmaker told Channels Television that they were not authorized to speak on his behalf. However, they hinted that the disciplinary move may be politically motivated, linked to Koko’s alleged intention to contest for a senatorial seat in 2027.
Insiders suggest that this ambition has rattled some influential figures within the APC in Kebbi, possibly triggering efforts to sideline perceived threats early on. The use of “anti-party activities” as justification—a vague but frequently invoked term in Nigerian political circles raises questions about whether the suspension is disciplinary or simply a strategic maneuver to suppress internal dissent.
The APC at the national level has not commented on the suspensions, leaving room for speculation about whether the party will intervene or allow the local conflict to fester.
Meanwhile: Kebbi Government Pays ₦266m for Overseas Students
In a separate development, the Kebbi State Government has announced the release of over ₦266 million to cover tuition fees for 100 students of Kebbi origin studying in India a move being touted as a major milestone in the state’s educational advancement efforts.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Tunga, made the announcement at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hussaini Tata, Tunga described the initiative as part of Governor Nasir Idris’ commitment to building academic and moral excellence across tertiary education.
“The Kebbi State Government, under the able leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, has approved and released ₦266,964,560 for the tuition of 100 students studying in various universities in India,” said the commissioner.
While the state government has earned commendation for the financial support, critics argue that greater focus should also be placed on improving the quality of local tertiary institutions and ensuring broader access for students who cannot afford foreign education, even with state sponsorship.
Final Thoughts
The dual narratives unfolding in Kebbi one of political discord within the ruling APC and the other of public investment in education paint a contrasting picture of governance. On one hand, the ruling party is battling internal instability that could undermine its cohesion ahead of future elections; on the other, the state government is showcasing efforts to build human capital abroad.
The implications are clear: for the APC to maintain its hold in Kebbi, it must address internal wrangling and accusations of political suppression. Meanwhile, laudable initiatives in education must be balanced with a long-term strategy to strengthen institutions at home.
Reference
Crisis in Kebbi APC: Ex-Lawmaker, Nine Party Officials Suspended Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities