Ex-Minister Isa Pantami and Other Key Figures May Exit APC – Party Leader Raises Alarm

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Khamis Musa Darazo, who is also a loyal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged the Presidency and the national leadership of the party to take swift action to prevent an imminent defection of some influential members.

Darazo expressed deep concern that certain aggrieved stakeholders and former officeholders within the APC are allegedly dissatisfied with recent developments in the party’s internal structure and decision-making process. According to him, the failure of the leadership to address these grievances could trigger a wave of defections that might weaken the ruling party’s political strength ahead of the next general election.

He specifically mentioned that former ministers, including Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, and other senior political figures might consider leaving the party if their concerns continue to be ignored. Darazo called on President Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to initiate reconciliation meetings and dialogue aimed at restoring unity and trust among members.

Darazo emphasized that the APC, being the ruling party, cannot afford to lose experienced and influential figures whose contributions have been pivotal to its success. He warned that failure to address internal disputes and marginalization issues could pave the way for political instability and loss of public confidence in the party.

Furthermore, he urged the leadership to focus on inclusiveness and equitable distribution of appointments, stating that fair representation across various geopolitical zones remains key to sustaining national unity under the APC government.

Darazo’s warning serves as a wake-up call for the party hierarchy to re-evaluate its internal affairs, strengthen its grassroots connection, and maintain cohesion among its members. Political analysts believe that ignoring such warnings may deepen the cracks within the APC and give opposition parties an advantage in upcoming elections.

For context, internal wrangling and high-profile defections have previously affected Nigeria’s major political parties, leading to major shifts in the country’s political landscape. Analysts have noted that swift reconciliation and inclusion remain essential strategies for maintaining dominance in a dynamic democracy like Nigeria’s.