A political advocacy group in Taraba State, the All Progressive Concern Actors (APCA), has criticized Senator David Jimkuta for attending a high-level All Progressives Congress (APC) consultative meeting during Sunday worship hours, describing the move as “insensitive” to the Christian population in the North-East geopolitical zone.
Senator Jimkuta, who represents Taraba South and is the most senior APC elected official from the state, reportedly led a delegation of party leaders to the North-East APC consultative meeting held in Gombe, the Gombe State capital, at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 15 — a time many Christians were engaged in church services.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Monday in Jalingo, APCA Coordinator, Damshark Mark Adamu, and Secretary, Ismaila Dauda, condemned the timing of the meeting and criticized Senator Jimkuta’s participation. They argued that his failure to advocate for a more inclusive schedule demonstrated a disregard for the religious diversity within both the party and the region.
“Senator Jimkuta should be held accountable. As a Christian and an influential figure in the party, he had a responsibility to challenge the timing of the meeting and ensure the worship practices of Christian members were respected,” Adamu said.
The group also referred to an earlier press briefing on Friday, where APC chieftain Daniel Musa had criticized the North-East Zonal Coordinator and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for scheduling the meeting during church hours. Despite the outcry, the event went ahead as planned.
“During the 2023 elections, Senator Jimkuta aligned himself with the Christian community to win support. His participation in this meeting, held at the expense of Sunday worship, now feels like a betrayal,” Adamu added.
APCA has demanded a public apology from Senator Jimkuta to the Christian community in the North-East, urging him to show sensitivity to the region’s religious balance.
In response to the controversy, Senator Jimkuta has not issued a direct statement. However, his media aide, dismissed the group’s criticisms and warned against inflaming religious sentiments.
“The Distinguished Senator is not privy to what has or will be said by the unknown group and therefore cannot make specific comments. He, however, cautions against political insinuations that may lead to religious tension. The APC in Taraba, under Senator Jimkuta’s leadership, remains committed to unity under the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President,” he said.
The development has sparked a wider debate on religious inclusivity and scheduling sensitivity in political party affairs within the North-East zone