In as much as Nigeria is said to be practicing democracy, many of our politicians have proven that they neither understand its essence nor respect its sanctity.
Ours is a nation blessed with multiple political parties, yet the most dominant remain the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In the recent political waves across Southern Kaduna, it is clear that the APC has gradually overpowered the PDP. This is not by accident but by deliberate, people-centered governance, reforms, and interventions, especially under the leadership of His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State. He has successfully turned a once crisis-ridden state into a peaceful haven, drawing commendations from within and outside Nigeria. The drastic reduction in crimes and the recognition by foreign observers have further proved that Kaduna is no longer what it used to be.
Ironically, the same individuals who once ridiculed and demonized the APC—calling it names and branding it a “blood-sucking party”—are now rushing back, desperate to secure tickets for the upcoming elections. Only a few days ago, rumors circulated about the Member representing Jema’a/Sanga Constituency having defected to the APC, which he quickly denied. In his words, “I went to see the Governor, and I asked him, ‘Your Excellency, I heard you are asking people to join your party, what about me?’ and the Governor replied, ‘Not you, we know where you belong.’” He further affirmed he has no plans of decamping.
As that denial was still making rounds, another surfaced—that the Senator representing Southern Kaduna had also defected to the APC. Again, this was refuted, with his media aides accusing the Governor of “luring” opposition members. Such accusations only seek to undermine the Governor’s credible track records and paint a picture that the APC cannot win without wooing defectors—an assertion we, true members of the APC, will not accept.
The most recent was the alleged defection of the Member representing Jema’a in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, whose picture surfaced alongside the Governor. Whether these reports are true or not, one thing is clear: the coming elections have exposed the desperation of many. They insulted the APC yesterday, yet today they are scheming to return, not because of love for the people, but because of their selfish interest in securing tickets, some of which we know have no certificate but a borrowed name just for their own selfish interest.
Your Excellency sir, with highest humility and regards I wish to express that, APC is blessed with high-ranking, educated, and competent men and women who have diligently worked for the progress of this great party from the grassroots up to where it stands today. Allowing individuals who once mocked and insulted the APC to suddenly hijack tickets is a slap in the face of loyal party members. It creates the impression that the APC has no credible candidates of its own, and that the hard work of faithful members counts for nothing.
Welcoming people to the party is democratic, but awarding tickets to those who come merely for political survival is dangerous, unjust, and demoralizing to the core loyalists. Let our actions prove that the APC rewards loyalty, capacity, and integrity.
As a proud son of Sanga LGA and a registered member of the APC, I humbly call for a rethink. The credibility, propagation, and progress of our great party depend not on opportunistic defectors, but on loyal men and women who have stood firm through trials and storms.
Hon. Augustine Beguwa
Sanga LGA, Kaduna State
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