A support group affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress, known as the APC Solidarity Vanguard, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take action against Minister of Defence Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, accusing him of undermining the party.
This was made known by Alhaji Salisu Yakubu, Chairman of the APC Solidarity Vanguard in Jigawa, in a statement on Monday morning, insisting that Badaru’s actions are detrimental to the party’s interests, both nationally and at the state level.
The group alleges that Badaru, a former Governor of Jigawa State, has been in contact with key opposition figures in northern Nigeria, which they believe poses a serious threat to the APC, according to Politics Nigeria.
Yakubu pointed out that recent reports indicate Badaru’s ongoing interactions with opposition members not just in Jigawa, but also in other northern states.
Yakubu emphasized the need for integrity in sensitive government positions, particularly the defence ministry, and questioned Badaru’s trustworthiness due to his alleged engagement with opposition stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of security in the current administration and warned that Badaru’s actions could jeopardize the APC’s chances in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Referencing past political betrayals, Yakubu cautioned against a repeat of the circumstances that led to the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, citing how some northern leaders engaged in anti-party activities while holding significant positions. He called on President Tinubu to intervene swiftly and address the situation with Badaru.
The chairman reaffirmed the unwavering support of the APC in Jigawa State for Tinubu, emphasizing that the group remains committed to the party despite pressures from opposing forces. They stood firm in their support during the 2023 elections, resisting attempts to sway them towards the opposition.
“Just a few days ago, we read in the news that Badaru is not only engaging with members of the opposition from Jigawa State, he has also spread his tentacles to other states in the North East and North West, with constant meetings.
” A man who heads such a sensitive ministry like defence should be an upright man. With constant engagements with members of the opposition, we believe Badaru should not be trusted.
” We understand that, after elections or politics, comes governance, but we should be mindful of the fact that someone entrusted with such a sensitive position is not just an ordinary Nigerian that should be seen everywhere and with everyone.
” The enemies of Nigeria are still here and waiting endlessly to see that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails.
“Security is the main focal point of this administration and the man who is spare heading the sector is grossly involved in anti-party activities and this could cost the President and the APC our 2027 elections.
“It was referenced in the said statement we read from the APC Support Group for the 2023 General Elections in Jigawa State; some notable northerners betrayed Goodluck Ebele Jonathan with anti-party activities, which cost him the reelection in 2015. They were given sensitive positions under Jonathan but were working secretly for Buhari.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened to President Jonathan in 2015; that’s why we are begging our dear President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly call Badaru to order.
“We in Jigawa State are fully for Asiwaju and APC and no amount of influence can change our mind. We stood by Asiwaju in 2023, even when the same elements, after meeting with a delegation from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, wanted us to vote for the PDP presidential candidate. But we stood our ground”, the statement read in part.
