The Mobilisation Team for Mohammed Adamu, a retired Inspector General of Police and an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State, has alleged plans to force ward executives across the state to endorse a preferred governorship aspirant ahead of the party primaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Abdullahi Sule, recently announced Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred APC governorship aspirant and successor in 2027.
Mr Isa Nathaniel, chairman of the Mobilisation Team, made the allegation in a press statement on Monday in Lafia.
Nathaniel described the development as a threat to internal democracy, alleging that some party stakeholders were pressuring ward executives in the 147 wards of the state to support the governor’s preferred aspirant.
He said the alleged move contradicted an earlier resolution by APC stakeholders in the state, who had adopted direct primaries for all elective positions.
According to him, the adoption of direct primaries was aimed at ensuring a transparent “one member, one vote” system and preventing imposition of candidates.
“It is a betrayal of that agreement to now attempt to influence or compel ward executives to endorse any aspirant,” he said.
Nathaniel further alleged that such actions violated the APC constitution, which provides guidelines for the democratic emergence of candidates.
He said ward executives were elected representatives of party members at the grassroots and should not be subjected to intimidation or undue influence.
The chairman warned that producing candidates through coercion could lead to internal crisis and weaken the party’s chances in future elections.
He called on the national leadership of the APC to intervene and ensure adherence to due process in the conduct of party primaries in the state.
“We demand urgent intervention from the National Working Committee of the party to halt this unfolding illegality and restore constitutional order,” he said.
Nathaniel also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to monitor developments to prevent any breach of peace.
He appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and participate peacefully in the primary election scheduled for May 21.
Nathaniel reiterated the group’s commitment to democratic principles, insisting that the choice of candidates must be determined through a free and fair process.
Meanwhile, Dr Aliyu Bello, the State Chairman of the party while addressing newsmen in Lafia, reassured party members of free, fair and credible direct primaries to elect the party’s flag bearers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NAN