Katsinatimes
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State and former governorship aspirant, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, has accused some leaders of the party of sidelining established procedures in the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by party members from the 34 local government areas of the state, Inuwa called on the party’s national and state leadership to ensure fairness, transparency and adherence to the party’s constitution in the conduct of primary elections.
He said the meeting was convened to brief members on developments surrounding the process of producing candidates for various elective positions within the party.
Inuwa alleged that some party officials were attempting to abandon an earlier agreement that candidates would emerge through direct primaries involving registered party members.
According to him, the arrangement was later changed, with the responsibility for selecting candidates allegedly handed to a small committee.
“We joined the ADC to contribute to addressing the challenges facing Katsina State and Nigeria, not because of personal interests or political appointments,” he said.
He argued that allowing a few individuals to determine candidates without the participation of party members was contrary to democratic principles and could create internal divisions within the party.
“It is not proper for a few people to decide candidates for millions of residents of Katsina State without giving party members the opportunity to make their choices,” he said.
The former governorship aspirant said he had reported the matter to the party’s electoral committee, which, according to him, acknowledged concerns over the process adopted.
He, however, said the issue had yet to be satisfactorily resolved.
Inuwa urged the party leadership to revisit the process and conduct credible primary elections that would enjoy the confidence of members and stakeholders.
“If ADC hopes to record success in Katsina State, it must follow due process, provide equal opportunities for all aspirants and ensure justice for party members,” he said.
He also called on the party’s national and state leaders to address the alleged irregularities and strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Inuwa further disclosed that he and his supporters had given the party leadership one week to address their concerns and facilitate the conduct of primary elections.
“We have given the six key figures involved one week to apologise to ADC members in Katsina and allow the party to conduct democratic primaries,” he said.
