Adamawa Political Tension Rises As APC Aspirant Vunobolki, Dumps Party Over ‘Unfairness

Happy Zarokada

Morris Vunobolki, a frontline governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged manipulation of internal party processes and warning that such practices pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.

Vunobolki, who recently defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), barely two months ago, announced his resignation during a press conference after what he described as “extensive consultations” with stakeholders across the state.

Just a week ago, the politician declared his intentions to his supporters in Yola, the State Capital, to contest under the the platform of the All Progressives Congress

Vunobolki accused the party leadership in Adamawa of abandoning earlier assurances of fairness, transparency, and internal democracy, alleging that recent developments have exposed a system skewed in favour of certain aspirants.

According to him, a committee set up under the influence of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to design the framework for the ongoing party congresses was populated by individuals with vested political interests.

 “government-favoured aspirants” manipulated the process to enhance their chances ahead of the primaries, thereby undermining the credibility of the exercise.. He said

Vunobolki further alleged irregularities in the party’s membership registration process, including the unauthorized use of citizens’ National Identification Numbers (NINs) to inflate membership figures in key areas such as Yola North.

“These actions reflect a process that lacks inclusiveness, transparency, and fairness,” he stated, warning that the situation points to a growing trend of imposition rather than democratic choice. He reemphasized

Drawing from his past experience, Vunobolki recalled the 2019 APC primaries where he purchased nomination forms worth N20 million to contest for the Adamawa South Senatorial seat, only for the process to be altered at the last minute in favour of incumbent lawmakers.

He noted that such impositions previously cost the party electoral victory, adding that the current trajectory suggests a repeat of the same mistakes.

The former APC aspirant said the unfolding events have reinforced his belief that internal party democracy is being eroded, with a “high likelihood” that candidates may emerge through manipulated consensus rather than credible primaries.

“In light of these developments, I have decided to resign from the APC to pursue a more credible and democratic platform where fairness and equal opportunity are guaranteed,” he declared.

Vunobolki also directed his supporters across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State to withdraw from the party and await further instructions on the next political direction.

Beyond the immediate political implications in Adamawa, the development raises broader concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, particularly the conduct of political parties, which are critical pillars of the democratic process.

Analysts say allegations of manipulated primaries, imposition of candidates, and compromised membership systems if proven could weaken public trust in elections and reduce citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.

Vunobolki echoed this concern, stressing that democracy can only thrive where internal party mechanisms are transparent and credible.

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, his resignation signals potential realignments within Adamawa’s political landscape and underscores ongoing debates about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral and party systems.