Hundreds of demonstrators on Tuesday morning forced their way into the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress to demand the immediate removal of the party chairman of Federal Capital Territory, Abdulmalik Usman.
While chanting solidarity songs and displaying several banners that read, “Kick out Malik Usman” and “We say NO to party impunity of FCT,” the protesters insisted on having the National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, address them.
The embattled FCT APC has been embroiled in an internal crisis that has pitched Usman against party supporters, who vowed to kick him out and elect new executives.
Among other things, the FCT party chairman has been accused of being a sit-tight leader who operates with impunity without seeking the contributions of other stakeholders.
The noise and rowdy session that greeted the demonstration almost paralysed commercial activities as security operatives attached to the secretariat, which is currently undergoing renovation, had a tough time restoring order.
One of the protesters, who simply identified himself as Yusuf, told our reporter that they arrived in large numbers to press home their demand.
He said, “The party stakeholders must recognise FCT Congress 2021. Malik has no choice but to go. We have endured his excesses and impunity for too long. But he seems to be enjoying the support of the APC national chairman.
“Otherwise, we see no reason why he has yet to take any serious action following our petition. This is why we came out in large numbers today to vent our anger by saying ‘No’ to party impunity.”
Although the drama occurred shortly after Adamu arrived at the secretariat, he did not turn up to address the disgruntled party members.
Efforts to speak with the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, over the issue proved abortive.
As of the time of filing this report, he neither picked up calls nor replied to the text message sent to his phone.
