WASE, PLATEAU STATE — Growing discontent within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Wase Local Government Area has reached a critical point, as a coalition of party members under the banner of “Concerned APC Stakeholders” has intensified calls for the institutionalisation of zoning and power rotation, decrying what they describe as a two-decade political monopoly that has stifled inclusion, fairness, and internal democracy.

In a strongly worded statement circulated to the press, the group lamented that a single political bloc has dominated a key elective position in the area for nearly 20 years, effectively shutting out other qualified party members and communities from meaningful participation in governance. The stakeholders framed their agitation not merely as a political demand, but as a moral and democratic imperative necessary to restore equity and cohesion within the party.

According to the statement, the prolonged occupation of the seat by one individual or faction has created a culture of exclusion that contradicts the founding principles of the APC, particularly its commitment to justice, fairness, and equal opportunity. The group argued that the absence of a structured zoning arrangement has entrenched a system where political access is restricted to a privileged few, leaving a vast majority of loyal party members politically marginalised.

The stakeholders noted that Wase, with its diverse communities and political wards, cannot afford to continue under what they described as a “closed system of representation,” warning that the long-term consequences of such imbalance could weaken party unity and erode grassroots support ahead of future elections. They stressed that rotation of power is not a novel concept in Nigerian politics but a tested mechanism for managing diversity and ensuring inclusiveness in multi-ethnic and politically complex societies.

“We are not asking for disruption; we are demanding fairness,” the statement read in part. “For 20 years, access to this seat has remained effectively closed to a broad segment of our party. This is neither sustainable nor justifiable in a democratic setting.”

The group further called on the state and national leadership of the APC to intervene by establishing clear zoning guidelines that would guarantee equitable distribution of political opportunities across the various districts and interest groups within Wase. They argued that without such intervention, the party risks internal fragmentation and possible electoral backlash from aggrieved members.

In a pointed critique of the status quo, the stakeholders questioned the rationale behind allowing a single political stream to dominate for such an extended period, noting that many capable individuals have been denied the opportunity to serve despite their competence and loyalty to the party. They warned that continued resistance to rotation could be interpreted as an attempt to institutionalise political exclusion.

The statement also underscored the importance of internal democracy, urging party leaders to prioritise transparent processes in candidate selection and to resist any attempts at imposition. According to the group, the credibility of the APC in Wase depends largely on its ability to demonstrate fairness in how it allocates political power among its members.

Political observers in Plateau State say the agitation reflects a broader trend across Nigeria, where intra-party tensions often arise from perceived imbalances in power-sharing arrangements. Analysts note that zoning, though informal in many cases, has become a critical stabilising tool in managing political competition within parties.

Despite the strong tone of their demands, the Concerned APC Stakeholders maintained that their intention is not to weaken the party but to strengthen it through inclusivity and justice. They reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC while insisting that loyalty must not be mistaken for silence in the face of perceived injustice.

As the 2027 election cycle gradually comes into focus, the situation in Wase is expected to test the APC’s capacity to manage internal dissent and reconcile competing interests. Whether party leadership will heed the call for zoning and rotation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over access, equity, and political inclusion in Wase has moved from quiet murmurs to a full-fledged demand for structural reform.