APC Suspends Kebbi Chairman, Governor Idris Sanctions Commissioner Over Zuru By-Election Outcome
By Yusuf Gwandu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has suspended its State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kana-Zuru, and the APC Chairman of Zuru Local Government Area, Hon. Aliyu Abubakar Abiola, following concerns over the party’s performance in the recently concluded Zuru State Constituency by-election.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the APC State Secretary, Alhaji Sa’idu Muhammad Kimba, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the statement, the decision followed complaints from stakeholders within the Zuru Emirate who accused the affected officials of displaying a lukewarm attitude towards party activities, failing to effectively engage critical stakeholders, inadequate mobilization of party supporters, and non-compliance with established party procedures.
The party stated that an internal review and investigation into the allegations confirmed the concerns raised, prompting disciplinary action against the officials.
As part of the measures taken, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kana-Zuru was suspended as the APC State Chairman, with the Deputy State Chairman directed to assume leadership of the party in an acting capacity pending further directives. Hon. Aliyu Abubakar Abiola was also suspended from his position as APC Chairman of Zuru Local Government Area.
In a related development, Governor Nasir Idris has approved the suspension of the Commissioner for Livestock Development and Fisheries, Alhaji Kabir Usman Alaramma Zuru.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, said the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
The statement directed the commissioner to hand over all government property and official responsibilities under his custody to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry pending further action.
Political observers and party stakeholders have linked the suspensions to the outcome of the Zuru State Constituency by-election, which recorded a low voter turnout despite the APC retaining the seat.
Official figures indicated that out of more than 109,000 registered voters in the constituency, only about 5,000 participated in the election.
Stakeholders reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the level of mobilization ahead of the poll, arguing that the party failed to capitalize on the support and resources provided by the state government, thereby contributing to the poor turnout witnessed during the exercise.
The APC has not indicated how long the suspensions will last, but party sources say further consultations and reviews are expected in the coming weeks.
