The North Central caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned aggrieved members of the party to desist from insulting and making disparaging comments on President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and other leaders of the party or they will face severe sanctions.
The warning which was contained in a statement jointly signed by the National Vice Chairman of APC North Central, Mu’azu Rijau and the Zonal Secretary of the region, Yakubu Adamu, on Saturday in Abuja, cautioned those it described as “aggrieved members” of the party and their support groups to stop denigrating the party leaders over perceived marginalization.
The caucus said it particularly took notice of recent attacks on President Tinubu and other party leaders being championed by a number of political groups and party bigwigs like former governors of Kaduna and Rivers States, Nasir El-Rufai andRotimi Amaechi, respectively.
The caucus said it frowns at comments credited to Amaechi who had reportedly called on Nigerians to be prepared to defend their mandate in the forthcoming 2027 election since politicians, including President Tinubu would not cede power easily and would do whatever it takes, including stealing, maiming and killing, to remain in power.
On his part, El-Rufai has been on the war path with the ruling party and had, in an interview, said he no longer recognized the party as it had lost its ideals and principles and urged opposition parties to unite to form a coalition capable of challenging the ruling party and protecting the country’s democracy.
But the North Central APC caucus, while lampooning the aggrieved party members, said it has confidence in the leadership of the party and would no longer tolerate attacks on its leaders and would not hesitate to mete out sanctions as well as taking decisive actions against erring members.
“The attention of the leadership of the APC North Central has been drawn to the activities of some personalities and support groups who are using the name of the party to attack, insult and disparage the persons, characters and reputations of some eminent leaders of the party in the media,” the statement reads.
“The zonal party leadership wish to condemn and unequivocally reject this development. We make bold to say that these groups are not only unrecognised, they are nothing but usurpers and interlopers.
“Of particular attention was the recent unwarranted attacks on the person and office of the former governor of Benue State and current SGF, Senator George Akume by some sponsored groups.
“The leadership of the party in the zone wish to pass a vote of confidence on our leaders, particularly Akume and all our five elected governors in the zone, whose contributions to the growth of the party in the zone and indeed the country have been acknowledged by all and sundry.
“We are, by this statement warning these persons and groups to desist forthwith from any guise to disparage, attack and insult our leaders. Failure to do so will attract the full weight of the law.”
