The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing growing internal tensions after several aspirants in Kano, Benue and Adamawa states rejected the outcome of the party’s recent primaries, alleging irregularities, lack of transparency and violations of due process.
The disagreements, which have emerged in the aftermath of the party’s candidate selection exercises, threaten to deepen divisions within the ADC as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Kano Aspirants Question Credibility Of Exercise
In Kano State, a coalition of aggrieved governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly aspirants faulted the conduct of the primaries, claiming the process lacked credibility.
Operating under the banner of Concerned ADC Aspirants and Stakeholders, the group argued that the timetable of events surrounding the exercise raised serious concerns.
Speaking on behalf of the group, spokesperson Wada Masu alleged that aspirants were still undergoing screening on May 21, the same date the party claimed the primaries were conducted.
According to him, the development cast doubt on the legitimacy of the exercise and warranted an independent review by the party’s national leadership.
The group called for a thorough investigation and a transparent resolution of the issues raised by dissatisfied members.
Party Leadership Dismisses Allegations
Reacting to the complaints, Kano State ADC Chairman, Musa Ungogo, rejected claims of irregularities and insisted that the primaries were conducted in line with party guidelines.
He described the protests as the reaction of unsuccessful aspirants and maintained that due process was followed throughout the exercise.
Ungogo also disclosed that consultations were ongoing among key governorship contenders, including Ibrahim Little and Malam Ibrahim Khalil, in a bid to build consensus within the party.
Benue Aspirants File Petitions
In Benue State, dissatisfaction with the primaries also surfaced as at least nine House of Representatives aspirants reportedly petitioned the party’s appeal panel.
One of the aspirants, Inalegwu Ejembi, alleged that no actual primary election took place despite expectations among contestants that voting would be conducted.
He described the situation as disappointing and urged the appeal panel to investigate the complaints raised by affected aspirants.
Despite his reservations about the process, Ejembi stated that he had no intention of leaving the ADC and expressed confidence in the party’s internal dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Adamawa Aspirant Heads To Court
The crisis has taken a legal dimension in Adamawa State, where House of Representatives aspirant Ahmed Bashir vowed to challenge the outcome of the primary election in court.
Bashir described the exercise as deeply flawed and alleged that pressure was mounted on him to withdraw in favour of Adamu Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC’s presidential candidate.
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He further claimed that he was denied access to the party’s appeal committee and was forced to submit his petition directly to the national headquarters through a courier service.
According to him, legal action has become necessary to challenge what he described as the declaration of a winner in a contest he believes was improperly conducted.
ADC Defends Process
Responding to the allegations from Adamawa, the state’s ADC Secretary, Shagna Pwamaddi, defended the conduct of the primaries, insisting that the process was free, fair and transparent.
He advised aggrieved members to pursue available remedies through the party’s established internal channels rather than resorting to public confrontations.
The latest disputes highlight the challenges facing the ADC as it seeks to strengthen its structures and maintain unity ahead of the next election cycle.