A fresh leadership crisis has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of a new faction within the party.
It was reported that a political commentator and activist, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi, on Wednesday declared herself the chairperson of a faction of the ruling party, laying claim to its leadership amid deepening internal disagreements.
In a statement made public, Danladi asserted that she is the “true and authentic Chairperson” of the APC.
“I, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi, hereby assert my position as the true and authentic Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Daily Post quoted Danladi as stating in the said statement.
Danladi disclosed plans to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legitimacy of the current leadership of the party.
“In light of recent developments within the party, I will be approaching the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legitimacy of the current leadership. This action seeks to unseat what I consider an illegitimate structure presently overseeing the affairs of our great party,” she said.
She further revealed that her faction has already notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and would be seeking the withdrawal of recognition for the party’s National Working Committee.
Danladi specifically called for the derecognition of the NWC led by Nentawe Yilwatda.
“Furthermore, I will be requesting the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discontinue recognition of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Mr. Nentawe Yilwatda,” she added.
The factional chairperson maintained that her actions are aimed at restoring legality, due process, and internal democracy within the party.
“This step is necessary to uphold the rule of law, protect the integrity of our party, and ensure that due process is followed in its leadership,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the recognised National Chairman of the APC, Yilwatda, had earlier appealed to the former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo to join the ruling party.
According to reports, Yilwatda made the appeal on Wednesday during a visit to Shekarau’s residence, popularly known as Mundubawa Palace, in Kano.
Speaking during the visit, Nentawe appealed to the two key political figures to return to the APC, describing himself as their son and in need of guidance and support.
He said, “Come and help me, I am your son. I need your support, I need your mentorship. I am pleading with you to come and help me.
“Let us all come back to APC. Your son at the APC is pleading; I cannot do it alone. Together we can build a very strong alliance to help the North.”
While commending Yilwatda for personally leading the visit, Shekarau said it came at a time when he and his associates were reviewing their political future, particularly in light of internal challenges within the opposition parties.
The former governor, however, said no immediate decision would be taken, assuring that consultations were ongoing and the overall interest of Kano State would guide any decision.