From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
A non-governmental organization, Gwagware Foundation, has drawn a battle line with the Katsina State Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bala Abu, over comments he made about Governor Dikko Umar Radda and some serving commissioners.
The foundation described the remarks as “unfortunate, unacceptable, and disrespectful” to the office of the governor, as well as an “abuse” of the commissioners.
Gwagware Foundation was established in 2016 by Governor Radda while he served as Chief of Staff under the administration of former Governor Aminu Bello Masari. Initially focused on humanitarian assistance, the foundation evolved into a political movement and played a key role in mobilizing support for the APC during the last general elections, contributing to the victory of Governor Radda and other elected officials. Following the 2015 elections, the foundation grew in influence and was instrumental in securing key government appointments for its members.
Our correspondent gathered that several APC members have expressed concern over the growing power of the foundation, which they fear may undermine the party’s internal structure.
Tensions escalated after Bala Abu, representing the party at an empowerment program organized by a member of the House of Representatives for Katsina Federal Constituency at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, criticized some commissioners for allegedly disregarding the party’s leadership.
In his speech, Bala accused the commissioners of arrogance, claiming they believed their appointments were based solely on merit and qualifications, ignoring the party’s role in their emergence. He went as far as to verbally berate the commissioners, suggesting they resign if they could not respect the party hierarchy.
Bala also criticized Governor Radda for arriving late to the event, stating that the delay caused many attendees to leave the venue prematurely. He demanded a public apology from the governor for the late arrival.
In response, Gwagware Foundation issued a strongly worded letter addressed to the state APC chairman, condemning Bala’s comments.
The letter, signed by the foundation’s chairman, Yusuf Aliyu Musawa, alongside Kabiru Usman Amoga and Nasir Mustapha Danye, stated that the comments had provoked outrage and diminished the dignity of the governor’s office.
The foundation urged the APC leadership in the state to investigate the matter and take appropriate disciplinary action against Bala Abu.
