A fierce power tussle within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ganye Chiefdom is casting a shadow over the party’s chances in the forthcoming Ganye Constituency by-election, following the death of lawmaker Abdulmalik Jauro Musa in May.
What began as subtle disagreements has now escalated into open factionalism, with two rival blocs—one loyal to Senator Abubakar MoAllahyidi and another led by the Walin Ganye, Alhaji Sadiq Wali—holding parallel meetings on Sunday in a public display of division.
The G-20 faction, which draws its name from 20 key APC stakeholders across the four local governments in the chiefdom, held its meeting at Poskum Hall. It was attended by notable figures including former House of Representatives member Abdulrazak Namdas, Uba Dan Arewa, and several past and current party executives.
Simultaneously, the Wali-led faction hosted its own consultative session at his private residence, drawing loyalists such as Alhaji Mansur Toungo, Alhaji Umaru Hammajoda Farang, and Hon. Bashir Usman Boro, alongside local government party officials.
Party insiders say the divisions are not just about strategy but reflect deeper tensions over influence, candidate selection, and the control of party structures. As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to conduct the by-election in August, fears are growing that the APC may lose a seat it has long dominated, unless the rift is quickly healed.
“The disunity is no longer behind closed doors. If we go into the election like this, it will be difficult to convince voters that we are ready to govern,” a senior party official said under the condition of anonymity.
Supporters of Senator MoAllahyidi accuse the opposing camp of attempting to undermine efforts aimed at party reconciliation. At the same time, allies of Wali insist they are only working to reposition the APC for electoral success.
Addressing the G-20 gathering, Engr. Nuruddeen Nyako lamented what he called “unpatriotic antics” by political actors intent on keeping the party fragmented. Similarly, Uba Dan Arewa, an associate of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu warned against dragging the NSA’s name into internal wrangling.
“Ribadu is committed to party unity and fairness. Those claiming he ordered anyone’s expulsion are spreading falsehoods,” Dan Arewa stated.
Both MoAllahyidi and Namdas called for a return to party discipline and solidarity, reminding members of the gains made during their time in national office—such as infrastructure projects and legislative interventions to improve local livelihoods.
Namdas also warned against aligning with what he termed “opportunistic elements” who thrive in division and chaos.
Observers say the outcome of the Ganye by-election could become a barometer for APC’s wider political fortunes in Adamawa State, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.
If the party fails to close ranks, analysts warn, it risks not only losing the constituency but also eroding its credibility as a united political force in the region.