Gombe APC Primary Crisis Deepens as Attajiri Rejects Balanga/Billiri Results
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Fresh controversy has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State after a House of Representatives aspirant, Hon. Alfred John Attajiri, dismissed the outcome of the party’s primary election in Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, insisting that no election was conducted.
Attajiri described the declaration of results as a “direct assault on democracy,” alleging that the process was manipulated before party members could participate in any legitimate exercise.
In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, the APC stalwart accused a former commissioner in Gombe State, Hon. Mohammed Sa’idu Yila Fawu, of announcing results for an election that allegedly never took place across the constituency.
According to him, reports from different communities in Balanga and Billiri, including videos, photographs and eyewitness accounts, showed there was no voting process before the results were declared.
“There is overwhelming evidence showing that no valid APC primary election took place anywhere in the constituency before the announcement of results,” he said.
The politician warned that such developments could damage the credibility of the APC and discourage loyal party members who expect transparency and fairness in the party’s internal democratic process.
He said many supporters in the constituency were already losing confidence in the party structure due to what he termed an unjust and undemocratic action.
“The people of Balanga and Billiri are deeply disappointed. Democracy should not be reduced to the mere announcement of predetermined results where no election was held,” Attajiri stated.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, to urgently intervene and ensure justice for party members in the constituency.
According to him, failure to address the issue could strengthen impunity within the party and weaken the confidence of ordinary members who believe in due process and equal opportunity.
Despite the tension surrounding the disputed primary, Attajiri urged his supporters, especially youths and women, to remain calm and avoid violence.
“Our struggle is about justice and fairness, not chaos. We believe the truth will eventually prevail,” he added.
The dispute is the latest sign of growing political tension within the APC in Gombe State as the party prepares for future electoral contests, with disagreements among aspirants and stakeholders becoming increasingly visible.
