Yari named new leader as Zamfara APC resolves crisis

The two factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara state have reconciled their differences and agreed to form “a formidable force” ahead of future elections.

Mikailu Barau, a chieftain of the party, announced the reconciliation in an 11-point resolution at the end of a meeting on Sunday in Kaduna.

Supporters of the two factions led by Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of the state, and Kabiru Marafa, immediate past senator representing Zamfara central, attended the reconciliation meeting.

The in-fighting in the state APC had led to the disqualification of the party from participating in the 2019 governorship election.

The supreme court voided the votes secured by the APC in the state on the basis that the party did not hold valid congresses to elect party executive council members and candidates for the elections.

Barau also announced that part of the resolutions at the meeting was the nomination of Yari as the new leader of the party in the state.

“The supporters of Marafa and Yari unanimously endorsed the reconciliation move and welcomed the development for repositioning the party, so that it would occupy its rightful leadership place in Zamfara state,” Barau said.

“Discussion points were divided into two – those that are for public audience which comprises all the propositions in the present submission and confidential issues discussed in a closed-door session between the two leaders.

“The interim leadership of APC in Zamfara state from the faction of Yari was accepted in good spirit with high expectations for fair deal through the inclusion of Sen. Marafa’s supporters at all levels.”

According to Barau, all parallel party structures under Marafa are considered dissolved.

He noted that all court cases initiated by the Marafa-led faction in respect of party leadership would be withdrawn for the reconciliation to thrive.

“Hon. Abdul’Azeez Yari is hereby recognised as the leader of the party in the spirit of reconciliation, unity and progress of Zamfara as a state and APC as a party,” the chieftain added.

“Notwithstanding the dissolution of parallel party structures, the two factions shall be maintained for six month with alignments evolving naturally until one party is achieved.

“After this, a review meeting will be convened to evaluate the progress made.”