Adamawa ADC Supporters Protest Alleged Plot To Replace Governorship Candidate

Hanny Henry

African Democratic Congress (ADC) members and supporters in Adamawa State have staged a peaceful protest in Yola over what they described as an alleged plot to replace the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

The protesters on Wednesday, marched to the ADC state secretariat carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Forcefully Remove Our Candidate” and “Hands Off Omarana, He Is Our Duly Elected Candidate.” They insisted that the party’s governorship candidate remains the authentic flag bearer and dismissed reports suggesting that plans were underway to substitute him.

Addressing the protesters, Chairman of the Frontier Movement Nationwide, Madu Umar, described the alleged plot as baseless and capable of creating unnecessary confusion within the party. He said the governorship candidate emerged through a transparent and credible primary conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Umar called on the national leadership of the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other relevant stakeholders to disregard any attempt to alter the outcome of the party’s primary election. He warned that any move to replace the candidate could undermine internal democracy and the collective will of party members.

He also appealed to supporters across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State to remain calm, united and law-abiding, assuring them that the party would pursue all lawful and legitimate means to protect its mandate and ensure that its governorship candidate remains on the ballot.

One of the protesters, Solomon Nuhu of Sengere Bode and an executive member of the party in Namtari Ward, said the demonstration was organised to express dissatisfaction with the alleged move and reaffirm support for the candidate who emerged from the party’s primary election.

“We are not happy with what some party leaders are allegedly trying to do by replacing a candidate who emerged through due process. We strongly reject any attempt to substitute him,” Nuhu said.

He added that the ADC could only succeed if the choices of its members and supporters were respected, warning that any decision contrary to the wishes of the majority could trigger defections from the party.

In separate remarks, Damaris Yalawa of Sengere and Zainab Muhammad of Yola South reaffirmed their support for the party’s governorship candidate, describing him as the best person to lead Adamawa State.

They urged the ADC National Working Committee, National Chairman Senator David Mark, and other party leaders to uphold internal democracy and ensure that the wishes of party members prevail over personal interests.

The protesters maintained that the alleged plot would not distract them from supporting the party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and issue-based political engagement.