The internal dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State could pose a significant challenge to the party’s electoral fortunes in some State House of Assembly constituencies, particularly Pankshin North and Kanam (Kantana).
Political observers have pointed to the growing strain in the alliance between the Blue Cap Legacy Group and the Green Cap Mutfwang movement. What was widely viewed as a marriage of political convenience appears to be under pressure, with disagreements over candidate selection and political influence reportedly creating divisions among party stakeholders.
Although the leadership of the coalition, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is said to be focused on mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s and Mutfwang re-election, tensions at the grassroots level could affect the party’s performance in the area of legislative contests.
In Kanam (Kantana), the controversy surrounding the replacement of Dayyabu Garga has generated considerable political debate. Garga is widely regarded by his supporters as a long-standing APC figure with a strong grassroots network. His temporary departure from the party and subsequent return at the governor’s appeal had strengthened perceptions of his political relevance. The decision to replace him, critics argue, could alienate sections of the party’s support base if not properly managed.
In Pankshin North, concerns have also been raised over the emergence of a candidate some party members consider unpopular.- a person that list election twice cannot defeat a person that won from the opposition party. Opponents of the process have questioned the manner in which the candidate emerged, and the growing popularity of Rt. Hon. Dewan is seen by some analysts as a serious challenge to APC’s electoral prospects.
Historically, Pankshin North has been one of the more competitive constituencies in Plateau politics, with the PDP maintaining a strong presence. If internal grievances within the APC remain unresolved, smaller opposition parties such as the YPP could potentially benefit from divisions within the ruling party.
Ultimately, the APC’s chances in both constituencies may depend less on the opposition’s strength and more on its ability to reconcile internal factions, rebuild confidence among party loyalists, and present candidates capable of unifying the grassroots ahead of the elections, which is considered an uphil task.
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