The Integrity Youth Alliance (IYA) has expressed concern over the outcome of recent primary elections conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, alleging that the process did not adequately reflect the state’s political diversity and inclusiveness.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group said the emergence of candidates for key elective positions has generated debate among party stakeholders, who believe that broader representation should have been considered in the selection process.
According to the alliance, the APC governorship candidate and the three senatorial candidates that emerged from the primaries are all from the same demographic bloc, a development it said has raised questions about balance and equitable participation within the party.
The group cited the case of Mrs. Angela Aya Bako, a female aspirant who sought to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election but was disqualified from the process. The alliance noted that her exclusion sparked concerns among supporters who viewed her as a credible contender, while other aspirants were allowed to participate.
It also referenced the replacement of Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, with Abubakar Nalaraba for the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat, arguing that the decision has further fueled discussions about inclusiveness and internal party democracy.
The alliance recalled previous calls by stakeholders for equal opportunities within the APC and urged the party leadership to ensure that all segments of the state’s population feel adequately represented in its political arrangements.
IYA warned that perceptions of exclusion could have electoral consequences ahead of future elections, stressing that political parties perform better when their structures and candidate selections reflect the diversity of their support base.
The group also pointed to the APC’s performance in the 2023 presidential election in Nasarawa State, where the party lost to the Labour Party despite the state’s status as an APC-controlled state. According to the alliance, the outcome highlighted the importance of broad-based political inclusion and stakeholder engagement.
Furthermore, the group said recent political developments have led to speculation among some party members about the direction of the APC in the state and its impact on the party’s future electoral prospects.
The alliance called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and other party leaders to intervene and promote fairness, equity, and wider participation in the allocation of elective positions in Nasarawa State.
“The APC was founded on the principles of justice, inclusion, and equal opportunity. These values should continue to guide the party’s decision-making processes in order to strengthen unity and improve its electoral prospects,” the statement said.