Kaduna Group Alleges Sidelining In Chikun/Kajuru Congress

A group under the auspices of Concerned Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency Stakeholders has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sidelining the two local government areas in the ongoing nationwide congresses.

In a statement issued on Friday by Samaila Leeman and Dr Cafra Caino on behalf of the stakeholders of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, the group expressed disappointment over what they described as apparent marginalisation of the area.

The statement however called on the APC national and state leadership to urgently review the situation and take corrective measures to ensure that Chikun/Kajuru constituency was adequately represented in all party structures.

According to the group, inclusivity was the bedrock of any progressive political movement, as they remained committed to working constructively with the party to uphold these values.

“We, the stakeholders of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, wish to express our profound disappointment and concern regarding the apparent marginalization of our constituency in the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) congresses in Kaduna State.

“Despite the significant population and substantial voting potential of Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency, which has consistently demonstrated strong support for the APC and contributed immensely to the party’s electoral successes, it is regrettable that no representative from our constituency has been deemed fit for inclusion in the Kaduna State Organizing Committee.

“This oversight raises serious questions about the principles of equity, inclusivity, and fair representation that the APC has long championed. This we fear may have a negative impact on the fortune of the party subsequently. While we note with regret that no member of Chikun/Kajuru constituency is represented in the Kaduna State Executive Council, we, at least deserve recognition and active participation in the party’s decision-making processes at the state level, if not at the national level.

“Furthermore, we consider it an aberration that critical stakeholders (former House of Representative Members, several former House of Assembly Members, former Commissioners and Head of Agencies, former Chairmen of Local Government) in Chikun local government area were completely sidelined in the constitution of the local government congress committee and at the Ward levels.

“In line with established party norms and democratic practices, the highest-ranking political officeholder in local government area should have been entrusted with the mandate to organise and oversee the congress. Regrettably, this was not so in Chikun local government area. This exclusion not only undermines the contributions of dedicated party members but also risks alienating a key segment of the APC’s grassroots base, potentially weakening the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects” the group stated.