Adamawa: Supporters protest against plans to replace ADC governorship candidate

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) supporters in Adamawa staged a peaceful protest against alleged plans to replace Mr Omar Suleiman as the party’s governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The protesters marched to the party’s state Secretariat, on Wednesday in Yola, carrying placards and demanding that the candidate remain the party’s authentic flagbearer.

Some placards read: “Don’t Forcefully Remove Our Candidate, Sulieman Omar”

“Hands Off Omarana, He Is Our Duly Elected Candidate.”

Addressing the protesters, Mr Madu Umar, Chairman Frontier Movement Nationwide, described the alleged plot as baseless and capable of creating confusion within the party.

“Our candidate emerged through a transparent primary conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“We call on ADC national leadership, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to disregard any attempt to alter the primary election outcome,” he said.

According to him, replacing the candidate can undermine internal democracy and the collective will of party members.

He appealed to supporters across the state to remain calm, united and law-abiding.

Umar assured party members that lawful means would be explored to protect the mandate and ensure the candidate remained on the ballot.

One of the protesters, Mr Solomon Nuhu, an executive of the party in Namtari Ward, in Yola North Local Government Area, said the demonstration had further exposed plotters’ game plans and eventually put an end to their drama.

Nuhu said party members would resist any attempt to replace a candidate who emerged through due process.

He added that respecting the choices of party members was essential for the party’s unity and success.

According to him, decisions contrary to the wishes of the majority can trigger defections from the party.

Also speaking, Mrs Aisha Hamidi, the Women Leader, reaffirmed support for the governorship candidate.

She described him as the most suitable person to lead Adamawa and urged party leaders to uphold internal democracy.

Hamidi called on the National Working Committee of the party to ensure that the wishes of members prevailed over personal interests.