A new leadership crisis has erupted in Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi, a political commentator and activist, declared herself the faction’s chairperson.
In a statement released through her appointed spokesperson, Danladi asserted her position as the “true and authentic Chairperson” of the APC. She claimed her faction has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and is seeking to derecognize the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Nentawe Yilwatda.
The factional leader announced plans to challenge the current leadership in court, stating she would approach the Federal High Court in Abuja to question the legitimacy of the existing party structure. Her statement emphasized that the legal action aims to “uphold the rule of law, protect the integrity of our party, and ensure that due process is followed in its leadership.”
Danladi’s move represents a significant escalation in the internal power struggle within the APC, which has been grappling with factional disputes since its formation in 2013 through the merger of three opposition parties. The party currently holds power at the federal level and controls several state governments.
The emergence of this faction could potentially impact the party’s operations and its preparations for upcoming elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission will likely need to determine how to respond to the competing claims of leadership within the ruling party.
This development comes amid broader challenges facing the APC, including debates over its direction and leadership succession as President Bola Tinubu’s administration approaches the midpoint of its term. The party has historically faced internal divisions that have sometimes spilled into public view, affecting its cohesion and electoral prospects.
The Federal High Court will now be tasked with adjudicating this dispute, which could have significant implications for the party’s legal status and recognition by electoral authorities. Political analysts suggest this factional crisis may further complicate the APC’s efforts to maintain unity ahead of future electoral cycles.
