By Joseph Asegba, Yola
The House of Representatives primary elections of the All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State have been concluded across the 21 local government areas of the state amid complaints and allegations from some aspirants.
The electoral committee, appointed by the national leadership of the APC and led by Professor Ahmed Shehu, said the exercise was conducted in a free, fair, transparent, peaceful and credible manner.
Addressing journalists in Yola, Prof. Shehu stated that the committee was committed to ensuring neutrality, integrity and justice throughout the exercise.
“Our responsibility is to operate a transparent democratic process. We understand the confidence reposed in the electoral committee by the leadership of the party, and we are determined and committed to discharging our duties with neutrality, integrity, justice and sportsmanship,” he said.
He added that every aspirant screened and cleared by the committee was given equal opportunity and a level playing ground to participate in the primaries.
“No aspirant will be discriminated against, intimidated or unfairly treated. The committee shall operate strictly in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the constitution of the APC and the principles of internal democracy,” he said.
Prof. Shehu stressed that internal democracy remained the foundation of a strong political party and a healthy democratic system.
According to him, registered party members were allowed to make their choices freely without coercion, manipulation or undue influence.
He also called on aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly before, during and after the elections.
“Politics should not be seen as a do-or-die affair. At the end of the exercise, our collective interest must remain the unity, progress and victory of our great party,” he added.
He further urged APC members to vote according to their conscience and in the best interest of democracy and development in Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.
Meanwhile, some aspirants kicked against the conduct of the exercise, describing it as a charade and a travesty of democracy.
A group led by Honourable Vrati Nzonzo alleged that the process lacked integrity and due process.
Also speaking, a former Adamawa politician, Ahmadu Hamman Nagora, popularly known as Dan Maje Adamawa, expressed dissatisfaction with the process, describing it as undemocratic and unacceptable.
He warned that the party could face defeat in the 2027 general elections if such issues were not addressed.
