From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Dr Kassim Muhammad Kassim, a public affairs analyst and APC chieftain in Nasarawa State, has staunchly defended Alhaji Aliyu Bello, the current Chairman of the party in the state, against calls for his removal.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Kassim dismissed the calls as mere signs of opposition jitteriness, emphasizing that the agitation lacks substance and will face strong opposition. He urged the sponsors of the removal to confront reality, asserting that their demands are unfounded and will be fiercely opposed.
Kassim highlighted the ongoing efforts led by Aliyu Bello’s State Working Committee to reconcile with members who had left the party over alleged candidate imposition. He justified this move, stating that it is the chairman’s duty to engage with other parties to bring them back into the fold. Kassim underscored the importance of fair primaries, suggesting that dissatisfaction with candidate imposition led some members to consider alternatives.
Kassim also pointed out the involvement of certain individuals, including a senator, who had previously worked for the APC at both presidential and gubernatorial levels. He emphasized that the imposition of candidates against the will of the people poses a threat to the party’s integrity. He categorically stated that those clamouring for Aliyu Bello’s removal are not genuine APC members in Nasarawa State and should not be taken seriously.
Meanwhile, stakeholders of the APC in Nasarawa State convened a meeting presided over by Governor Abdullahi Sule, where they collectively pledged to set aside bitterness and collaborate to strengthen the party’s position in the state.
During the meeting, Alhaji Aliyu Bello expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received thus far, reaffirming his commitment to fostering unity and fortitude within the party. He stressed the determination to uphold the APC as the foremost political entity in Nasarawa State.