Tension is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State as former governorship aspirant and party chieftain, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the party’s candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party members from all 34 local government areas of the state, Inuwa accused some party leaders of abandoning agreed procedures and undermining internal democracy.
He called on both the national and state leadership of the ADC to ensure transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution in the conduct of its primary elections.
According to him, the meeting was convened to update members on developments surrounding the process of selecting candidates for various elective positions, but alleged that the original plan for direct primaries had been altered.
Inuwa claimed that while the party initially agreed that candidates would emerge through direct primaries involving all registered members, the process was later changed, with decision-making allegedly restricted to a small committee.
“We joined the ADC to contribute to solving the challenges facing Katsina State and Nigeria, not for personal interests or political appointments,” he said.
He further argued that allowing a few individuals to decide candidates for millions of party members was undemocratic and capable of triggering internal crisis.
“It is not proper for a few people to determine candidates for millions of people without allowing party members to choose their preferred aspirants,” he added.
The former governorship aspirant disclosed that he had formally reported the issue to the party’s electoral committee, which he said acknowledged concerns about the process but had yet to resolve them satisfactorily.
Inuwa warned that the party must urgently revisit the process to restore confidence among members and stakeholders.
“If the ADC is serious about success in Katsina, it must ensure due process, equal opportunity for all aspirants, and justice for members,” he said.
He also urged the party leadership to strengthen internal democracy and address what he described as emerging divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a further escalation, Inuwa disclosed that he and his supporters had issued a one-week ultimatum to party leaders to address their grievances, apologize to members, and allow the conduct of transparent primaries.
“We have given the six key figures involved one week to apologise to ADC members in Katsina and ensure democratic primaries are conducted,” he stated.
The development is already generating political debate within party circles, with stakeholders watching closely to see how the ADC leadership will respond to the growing internal pressure.
About The Author
