By: Joy Musa
Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo, a two-term legislator who represented Adamawa Northern Senatorial District, has officially severed ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of betrayal and labeling it a “killer” force that destroys its own members.
In a bold and emotionally charged announcement made during a Sunday Mass at St. Paul’s Parish in Sangere, Girei Local Government Area, Abbo decried the APC as a party that kills its own members and undermines its candidates. His departure, which marks a significant political shift, comes after a series of personal and political grievances against the ruling party.
“APC is Not a Party”
Abbo’s condemnation of the APC was unflinching. “APC is not a party,” he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. “A party that kills her own children and celebrates the downfall of their own members? A party that does anti-party against their own candidates? That’s not a party fit for me to be in.”
He went on to recount his own bitter experiences, including his expulsion from the party after opposing the Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 presidential elections. Abbo claimed his stance against the controversial ticket led to his political demise, accusing the APC of orchestrating his ouster in retribution.
A Betrayal of Trust
Reflecting on his journey, Abbo spoke of the warmth he received when he joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2020, citing high-ranking figures such as then-Senate President Ahmad Lawan who welcomed him into the fold. However, this welcoming reception soon turned cold, he alleged, as the party turned against him after his outspoken opposition to the Muslim-Muslim ticket. His expulsion was later upheld by both the Yola High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Abbo, whose second-term re-election bid was marred by internal sabotage and a lack of support from the party, made it clear that he no longer saw himself as a member of the APC. “As far as I’m concerned today, I don’t see myself as a member of APC,” he said, adding that the party could not win an election in Adamawa.
A New Political Path
Despite his disillusionment with the APC, Abbo is not retiring from politics. Instead, he announced his alignment with a new political coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Abbo expressed confidence that Atiku, along with other political leaders like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, could form a formidable alliance to challenge the APC.
“I’m not joining SDP or any other political party,” Abbo clarified. “We are waiting for a political party, and we have our own leader, the former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He has been having lengthy discussions with the likes of Peter Obi, Nasir Ahmadu El-Rufai, and others, and we are thinking of forming our own coalition party to defeat APC.”
Adamawa’s Political Future
Abbo’s defection is not just a personal decision; it carries significant implications for Adamawa’s political future. He painted a grim picture of the APC in his home state, describing it as a “one-man show” crippled by internal divisions and sabotage. “I don’t see APC winning an election in Adamawa,” he declared, challenging the party’s dominance in the region.
However, despite his harsh words for the APC, Abbo’s visit to St. Paul’s Parish also showcased a more human side. He fulfilled a promise made the previous year to support the church’s building project, earning him the warm applause of the congregation. Reverend Father Cosmos Umaru expressed gratitude for Abbo’s commitment, offering a reminder that even amid political turmoil, personal bonds can endure.
A New Era?
Abbo’s decision to break away from the APC and align with Atiku’s coalition movement signals a possible realignment in Nigerian politics. His rhetoric and bold claims about the APC’s demise in Adamawa and Nigeria at large may serve as a rallying cry for others disillusioned with the ruling party.
As Abbo joins forces with other political leaders, the country watches to see if this new coalition can indeed present a serious challenge to the APC’s grip on power. Whether the senator’s prophecy of the APC’s downfall in Adamawa materializes remains to be seen, but his defection has undoubtedly set the stage for a new political battle.
