ADAMAWA GLADIATORS: Four Executives Sacked Indefinitely as Group Repositions for APC Victory

By Umar Zubainatu Kambari

The APC Gladiators Development Initiative has been plunged into a major leadership crisis following internal disputes that escalated into accusations, alleged threats, and ultimately a vote of no confidence against four members of the organization, including its former acting secretary.

The organization’s founder and chairperson, Hon. Himaga Yayirus, disclosed that the conflict stemmed from internal sabotage and attempts by certain members to undermine her leadership and derail the group’s activities. The Initiative, founded in 2014, was established to mobilize and strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) grassroots structures across Adamawa State.

Hon. Yayirus recounted how she single-handedly established the group and struggled through years of instability until 2020, when the organization finally became structured. Originally non-partisan, the movement gained prominence during the 2023 APC primaries, where it operated under the name Binani Gladiators. When Senator Aishatu “Binani” Dahiru moved to the ADC, the group rebranded again as The Gladiators to maintain loyalty to the APC.

According to the chairperson, tension began when a few members, including the former acting secretary, Eng. Zakari Usman, allegedly questioned her leadership and began holding meetings without her knowledge.

She stated that the friction intensified when the group prepared for a major programme initially scheduled for September but delayed repeatedly due to financial constraints and internal disruptions. The event eventually held on 28 November 2025, sponsored in part by APC senior stakeholder Comrade Mustafa Salihu, who provided venue support and pledged financial backing for future projects.

Hon. Yayirus said the same members who opposed her refused to travel with her to Abuja on an official assignment, offering excuses she later confirmed were untrue. She accused them of attempting to frustrate the programme and even forming a parallel group behind her back.

The chairperson also revealed that she received information about a planned attack at the organization’s office. On the advice of a member, she contacted the Department of State Services (DSS), who were present when the alleged attackers arrived.

“After they were arrested, they went online accusing me of sending DSS after them. Meanwhile, they were the ones who threatened me,” she said.

She further noted that Eng. Usman later issued a written statement warning that if anything happened to him, the chairperson should be held responsible — a document that fuelled fears of an orchestrated smear campaign.

During the emergency meeting, several officials expressed support for the chairperson and condemned the actions of the suspended members.

Mukhtar Bello, Yola North Chairman of the Gladiators, emphasized that the organization was built on unity, transparency, and loyalty to the APC.

“An enemy, even if he is minor, is still an enemy,” he stated. “We must not let personal interests destroy the name and purpose of this organization.”

The organization’s youth leader, Faruq Danjuma, claimed he had long observed the dissenting members working against the organization’s progress.

“We love Binani, but we cannot abandon APC or the Gladiators simply because of personal emotions. Our loyalty is to the party,” he said.

Incoming acting secretary Mukhtar Isa Shellenge added that Hon. Yayirus had sustained the organization from her pocket for years and deserved members’ respect and cooperation.

The acting media officer, Blessed Joshua, warned that the threatening messages issued by the former acting secretary justified the members’ decision to demand decisive action.

TGNews reports that at the end of the meeting, executives and members unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Eng. Zakari Usman (Former Acting Secretary), Eric Ishaya (Former Acting Media), Idris Sa’idu (Former Member), and Idris Usman (Former Financial Secretary).

The four were suspended indefinitely, removed from all organizational platforms, and barred from accessing the Gladiators office or participating in any future activities.

The decision followed their accusations of lack of transparency, including calls for financial transactions to bypass the chairperson’s account. However, members revealed that the organization had no official account before now, with most activities funded personally by the chairperson.

Leaders resolved to formalize documentation, register an official organization account, and strengthen internal communication to prevent future disputes. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting APC structures within Adamawa State.

Hon. Yayirus expressed gratitude to loyal members and pledged to continue leading the organization transparently and responsibly.