Aminu Imam
Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kaduna State Caucus, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, has penned an open letter to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, raising concerns over the state of political affairs in Kaduna.
The letter, dated August 12, 2023, highlights the need for inclusiveness and equitable distribution of political positions within the State.
In the letter, Dr. Ramalan stressed that the politics of Kaduna State should prioritise the well-being of its citizens, emphasizing that political power should benefit the entire populace rather than a select few individuals. He underscored the importance of the previously observed gentleman’s agreement among the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State, which is aimed to ensure fair representation and inclusiveness in sharing public offices.
The former chairman lamented that this equitable arrangement had been disrupted since 2015, when Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufa’i assumed the role of governor. According to him, during el-Rufais tenure, the previously balanced distribution of political power was overshadowed by a ‘winner takes all’ approach, leading to political isolation, lack of representation and reduced inclusiveness for certain zones within the State.
Ramalan noted that this shift in political dynamics had impacted the fortunes of the APC in the region. He criticised el-Rufais administration for promoting policies that seemed to prioritize personal interests over the welfare of the citizens. He also cited the sharp division within the APC, and the Party’s failure to secure Kaduna State in the 2023 Presidential vote as a result of this approach.
The letter further raised concerns about el-Rufais potential appointment as a Minister despite his controversial governance history. Ramalan questioned whether el-Rufa’i could be trusted to represent the State effectively, given his track record of divisive language and disregard for widespread concerns. The former chairman also highlighted el-Rufa’i’s purported self-promotion as well as his recent assertion that he had never lobbied President Tinubu for any position.
Ramalan therefore, urged President Tinubu to intervene in Kaduna State’s political landscape to ensure inclusiveness, representation and unity within the APC. He called for a balanced distribution of political offices among the various senatorial zones and stressed the importance of democracy’s core valuesrepresentation and inclusiveness.
In conclusion, Dr. Ramalan expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for considering the concerns raised in the open letter, and emphasised the need for immediate action to address the issues affecting Kaduna State’s political climate.
The plea for inclusiveness and fairness within the party’s politics in Kaduna remains a topic of discussion and speculation among political observers in the State.
