Ex-Buhari Aide Nasiru Baballe Ila Quits APC, Cites Marginalisation and Lack of Internal Democracy

Former two-term lawmaker and ex-Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Hon. Nasiru Baballe Ila has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, over what he described as marginalization and lack of internal democracy within the party.

In the letter of resignation dated October 23, 2025, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of Gyadi-Gyadi Arewa in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, Ila described his exit as a “painful yet necessary decision.”

He accused the leadership of the APC of sidelining the founding members, especially those from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC. “The treatment I have received within the party, particularly in Kano, and other salient developments have compelled me to take this step,” he stated.

Ila, who represented Tarauni Federal Constituency between 2011 and 2019, lamented that despite being a loyal member and major contributor since the party was formed, he and his supporters had always been excluded from the party’s activities and denied recognition.

“The leadership’s refusal, beyond my personal examples and those of my supporters, to involve core legacy members of the defunct CPC in the party’s affairs has been really upsetting,” he wrote. He also referenced his case of being denied a return ticket to the House of Representatives in 2019 as proof of the party’s dwindling commitment to fairness and inclusiveness.

He added, “The party is devoid of internal democracy and inclusiveness, starkly contradicting its progressive ideals.” The MP said, “As a person of principle, I can no longer, in good conscience, belong to a party that compromises my values.”

Ila, who was a member under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, declared his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the party is more in tandem with his ideals.

“It gives me great pleasure, after careful consideration, to align myself with a new platform that reflects the very reason I joined politics service to humanity,” he said, pledging to continue practising “politics without bitterness.”