The Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently grappling with internal friction following the controversial inclusion of a Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate in its governorship campaign council.
The tension follows the decision to appoint Kabiru Dallah, the ZLP candidate for the Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency, to the council tasked with driving the party’s gubernatorial campaign. This move has sparked intense debate among party members and stakeholders who view the inclusion of an opposition figure as a departure from established political norms.
The development is being linked to the “Rainbow Coalition” strategy, a political approach associated with Nyesom Wike, which seeks to build broad-based alliances by incorporating figures from various political backgrounds to consolidate power.
Disaffected APC members in Nasarawa have raised concerns that such inclusions could dilute the party’s identity and create distrust among its core supporters. Critics argue that bringing a candidate from the ZLP into the inner workings of the APC’s campaign structure undermines the work of party loyalists who have consistently supported the movement.
The controversy in Nasarawa APC over Wike’s Rainbow Coalition reflects a growing trend in Nigerian politics where strategic alliances often clash with traditional party loyalty. While proponents of the Rainbow Coalition argue that such moves are necessary to build a winning front and reduce political friction, opponents see it as a threat to the party’s grassroots foundation.
Political implications of the campaign council inclusion
The inclusion of Kabiru Dallah has placed the APC leadership in a difficult position. They must now balance the strategic objectives of the Rainbow Coalition with the need to maintain cohesion among their existing members.
For the Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency, the political landscape is expected to shift as the implications of Dallah’s involvement become clearer. The decision has left many questioning whether the APC’s campaign council is being used to facilitate a broader coalition or if it is a tactical move to weaken the ZLP from within.
As the governorship campaign intensifies, the Nasarawa APC faces the immediate challenge of reconciling these internal divisions. If the leadership fails to address the grievances of its members, the party risks a splintering effect that could impact its performance in upcoming elections.
The APC leadership has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the specific complaints raised by members regarding the campaign council’s composition.
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