Former Anka LGA Chairman Sharu Anka Leaves APC to Join African Democratic Congress

Alhaji Sharu Anka, a prominent political figure in Zamfara State, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The former chairman of Anka Local Government Area made the announcement via a letter released on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance. Anka stated that his decision was driven by persistent internal conflicts and a perceived lack of fairness within the APC structure.

In his resignation statement, Anka attributed his departure to what he described as a high rate of injustice and the denial of equal opportunities within the party. He highlighted a lack of unity and understanding among party leaders as key factors that made it impossible for him to continue his membership. According to the former council chairman, the internal dynamics of the APC had become untenable, forcing him to seek a new political home where his contributions could be recognised more equitably.

Background

Anka is an experienced grassroots politician with a long history of public service in Zamfara State. He served two terms as the chairman of Anka Local Government Area, a role that established his influence in the region. Beyond local government, he held senior executive positions at the state level, serving four times as a commissioner overseeing different ministries under successive administrations. His extensive career spans various political cycles, making him a veteran figure in the state's political landscape.

The reasons for his exit from the APC centre on allegations of clique politics and the marginalisation of other members. Anka accused specific groups within the party of dominating its affairs while ignoring the contributions of the broader membership base. He described the party's internal culture as having devolved into a system focused on family and friends, which he found unbearable. This perception of exclusion and neglect of merit was cited as the primary catalyst for his move to the ADC. It was also reported that a number of Anka’s political supporters across Zamfara State have followed him in joining the African Democratic Congress, indicating that his departure may have a broader impact on the local political balance.

Why it matters

The defection of a former local government chairman and multiple state commissioners carries weight in the context of Nigerian politics, particularly in Zamfara State where party loyalty is often a critical factor in electoral success. Anka’s move highlights ongoing tensions within the APC regarding internal democracy and the distribution of opportunities among members. For the ADC, gaining a figure with Anka’s experience and local support base could strengthen their presence in the state. The situation underscores the challenges parties face in maintaining cohesion and managing internal disputes, which can lead to the loss of senior members and their constituencies.

What happens next

While the sources do not specify immediate upcoming elections or formal party congresses scheduled for the near future, Anka’s transition to the ADC is immediate. The former APC member is now aligned with the African Democratic Congress, and his supporters have reportedly joined him. The political implications of this shift will likely unfold as both parties navigate their strategies in Zamfara State. The ADC will now integrate Anka into its structure, while the APC faces the challenge of addressing the internal grievances that prompted his resignation to prevent further attrition.