Kaduna Aggrieved APC Chieftains Decry ‘Recycling’ Political Appointees, Lack Of Reward

• Some APC members in Kaduna State are unhappy that they were not appointed to government positions after supporting the party and Governor Uba Sani in the last election
• The state government has said that not everyone can be appointed to a political position
• Some members are concerned that the cabinet will be dominated by people who served under the previous administration

Some APC members in Kaduna State have expressed dissatisfaction with their alleged exclusion after actively supporting the party and Governor Uba Sani during the last elections.

However, the state government stated that such feelings and agitations were to be expected, emphasising that not everyone would be appointed to a political position.

Although Governor Uba Sani has not yet appointed all of his cabinet members, there are fears within the party, particularly among his loyalists, that the majority of the cabinet will be dominated by people who served under the previous administration.

Some of the disgruntled members felt they had invested their time, energy, and resources in supporting the party and governor in order to be a part of the administration, only to be on the outside looking in. They argued that retaining former appointees undermines the opportunity for new ideas, perspectives, and talent within the party, as well as the ability to address the state’s changing needs and challenges.

Despite having the qualifications, one of the governor’s disgruntled members and loyalists, who requested anonymity, expressed disappointment at not being considered for an appointment at the early stage of the administration.

He is optimistic about being considered because of his support for the governor in the previous election, noting that the governor is aware of the significant role he played in the previous general elections.

The member stated;

I encountered serious challenges even from some of the former government officials for my support for Senator Uba Sani. Most of them divided their loyalty waiting for the former governor to disclose his preferred candidate.

He emphasised that he openly supported the governor during the elections through his support group because he believed in him, but that the delay in rewarding loyalty is politically embarrassing and may discourage others from declaring their support for politicians.

The member expressed dissatisfaction with the recycling of former commissioners and political advisers into the same government, saying, “The complaints are many because there are those who view the reappointment or recycling of former political appointees as not being best for the current administration.”

While emphasising the importance of a total change of appointees and the inclusion of fresh minds capable of delivering better results, he explained that, like other disgruntled members, he was told to be patient because better opportunities in government may arise.

Similarly, Alhaji Mohammed Murtala, an APC chieftain in the state, stated, “Politics is done on earth and will be left on earth, so the way you support a person or a political party is how the party should reward you.” It is wrong to support a political party or a person who will not reward you.”

Refusing to include those who supported the governor is political suicide, according to Murtala, because their support may be needed in the future.