A fresh political storm is brewing in the North-West chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Hon. Aminu Jaji, a member of the House of Representatives, strongly refutes allegations of anti-party activities. Jaji has called out the so-called Committee of Concerned Elders for Peace, warning them against dragging the name of Senator Abdulaziz Yari into their political maneuvers.
Jaji, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Funds, insists that these allegations are part of a smear campaign orchestrated by political adversaries who fear his rising influence. His response highlights the growing internal tensions within the APC in Zamfara State, where political alignments and rivalries continue to shape the party’s dynamics.
Jaji Fires Back at Allegations
In a strongly worded statement issued through his media aide, Mohammed Umar, Jaji dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
“I keep on saying this—I can never disrespect Senator Abdulaziz Yari; he is my boss. I served under him, and he is one of the politicians I hold in high esteem. I can never seek to demean him under any circumstances whatsoever,” Jaji declared.
He described the allegations as “cooked-up stories” spread by individuals hiding under the banner of the APC to sow discord. According to him, these individuals are attempting to manipulate public perception by fabricating claims of anti-party activities.
“The attention of Rt. Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, Member representing Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency of Zamfara, has been drawn to a cooked-up story alleging my involvement in anti-party activities by a so-called Committee of Concerned Elders for Peace under the All Progressives Congress (APC), North-West,” his statement read.
Loyalty to Yari and the APC
Jaji took the opportunity to reaffirm his unwavering support for both Senator Yari and the APC, emphasizing that his track record speaks for itself.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Rep. Aminu Sani Jaji is a loyal and card-carrying member of the APC. At no point in time has he sponsored any attacks on the party or disrespected any elder or leader of the party in any of the six geopolitical zones of the country. My support and loyalty to the party cannot be quantified,” he stated.
He further underlined the deep-rooted relationship he shares with Yari, one that he insists cannot be broken by political propaganda.
“The bond between me and Sen. Abdulaziz Yari dates back to many years of cordial relations, and no amount of falsehood, hiding under the guise of a political group, can alter this relationship,” Jaji reiterated.
This assertion makes it clear that Jaji views the accusations not only as an attack on his reputation but also as an attempt to drive a wedge between him and Yari, who remains a key political figure in Zamfara State.
Political Rivalries and the Battle for Influence
While Jaji did not name specific individuals behind the allegations, he hinted at a larger political plot aimed at weakening his influence. He believes that those responsible for spreading the falsehoods are driven by their own desperation and declining relevance in Zamfara’s political landscape.
“Some people who have lost relevance in Zamfara State and are having sleepless nights over Jaji’s growing popularity are responsible for peddling such falsehoods in order to incite the people and the party against me,” he charged.
This statement suggests an ongoing power struggle within the APC in Zamfara, where political factions are positioning themselves ahead of future elections. Jaji’s rising profile as a lawmaker and his strong grassroots support may have unsettled some political actors who see him as a threat to their influence.
Calls for Unity and Focus on Governance
Beyond dismissing the allegations, Jaji urged those involved in spreading political falsehoods to focus on meaningful governance rather than engaging in divisive tactics. He stressed the need for unity within the APC and encouraged party members to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal ambitions.
“We advise the peddlers of this falsehood to leave Senator Yari out of their dubious motives and allow him to concentrate on his mandate of delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Zamfara State,” he said.
This call for unity comes at a crucial time, as internal divisions within the APC in Zamfara State could weaken the party’s chances in upcoming elections. Jaji’s statement suggests that he sees the controversy as a distraction from more pressing issues, including governance, economic development, and security challenges in the region.
The Bigger Picture: Implications for APC in Zamfara
Jaji’s public rebuttal of the allegations points to deeper political tensions within the APC in Zamfara State and the North-West region at large. As the party navigates internal challenges, the way its leaders handle these disputes will likely impact its future cohesion and electoral success.
If left unchecked, internal conflicts could weaken the party’s hold on power and open the door for opposition parties to capitalize on APC’s divisions. Jaji’s strong defense, combined with his emphasis on party unity, may be an attempt to prevent further fractures within the APC.
Additionally, the controversy surrounding his name and the allegations of anti-party activities could indicate shifting political alliances within Zamfara. If some APC members perceive him as a growing threat, they may continue to push narratives aimed at undermining his credibility.
On the other hand, his strong reaffirmation of loyalty to Yari might be a strategic move to consolidate his political standing within the party. By positioning himself as a staunch ally of Yari, he may be seeking to reinforce his influence while deflecting attacks from his opponents.
What Comes Next? The Path Forward for APC in Zamfara
As tensions continue to simmer, several possible outcomes could shape the political landscape in Zamfara:
1. Strengthened Alliance Between Jaji and Yari
Jaji’s clear alignment with Yari suggests that the two leaders could emerge as a unified front against other factions within the APC. If their relationship remains solid, they may work together to consolidate their influence in the party.
2. Potential Internal Reconciliation
If party elders intervene to address the ongoing tensions, there could be efforts to mend fences and prevent further internal rifts. Such reconciliation could help the APC maintain a stronghold in Zamfara ahead of future elections.
3. Escalation of Political Infighting
If rival factions continue to clash, the infighting within APC could escalate, leading to more accusations, counteraccusations, and possibly even defections to other political parties.
4. Shift in Power Dynamics
Depending on how this controversy unfolds, it could alter the political structure within Zamfara APC. If Jaji successfully defends his position and emerges stronger, he could become an even more prominent figure within the party. Conversely, if his opponents manage to weaken his influence, his political future could face challenges.
Final Thoughts: Unity or Division? The Future of Zamfara’s APC
Jaji’s strong response to the allegations and his unwavering support for Senator Yari underscore the complex power struggles within Zamfara’s APC. As the party navigates these internal challenges, the key question remains: will the APC in Zamfara emerge stronger and more united, or will these tensions lead to further fragmentation?
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As the political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear—this battle for influence is far from over, and its outcome will have lasting implications for Zamfara’s political future.
