The Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamawa State House of Representatives Aspirants has raised concerns over alleged attempts to impose candidates across the eight federal constituencies in the state.
Speaking with Journalists in Yola, the forum called on the leadership of the party to exercise caution and treat the Primary election processes in accordance with the extant laws of the Party.
In a communique read by Hon Vrati S. Nzonzi for House of Representative Aspirant Numan, Demsa and Lamurde constituency, he maintained that any attempts to impose any candidate will tantamount to subverting the democratic values.
The aggrieved representative aspirants made up of aspirants contesting for various House of Representatives seats, said after extensive deliberations, members unanimously resolved for free, fair and credible primaries.
The aspirants warned that only a transparent process would strengthen the party’s chances of electoral success and prevent internal crises capable of weakening the APC ahead of the polls.
According to the communique, “since consensus has failed across the eight federal constituencies of Adamawa State, the forum calls on the party to conduct free, fair and credible primaries across all the 226 wards of the state”.
The forum further alleged that some aspirants had come under pressure from certain party executives who reportedly urged them to step down from the race on the grounds that there were “orders from above”.
According to the forum, some party officials allegedly invoked the names of top political figures in the state, including the governor and the National Security Adviser, while persuading aspirants to withdraw from the contest.
The development, they noted, has heightened tension and fears among party members that the primaries may not reflect the wishes of delegates and grassroots supporters.
The aspirants also expressed concern over reports making the rounds within party circles about the existence of a so-called “Presidential List” containing names of preferred candidates for the eight constituencies in Adamawa State.
The forum described the alleged list as dangerous to internal democracy, warning that any attempt to impose unpopular or politically weak candidates on party members could negatively affect the APC’s performance during the general election.
The communiqué emphasized that the strength of the APC in Adamawa had always depended on inclusiveness, popular participation and competitive internal processes, adding that any deviation from those principles could create disaffection within the party.
The aspirants warned that the mistakes that contributed to setbacks experienced by the party in previous elections should not be repeated.
“That in light of the above, the Forum wishes to draws the attention of the Leader of the party in the state – the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, the National Security Adviser, and the party leadership – to exercise caution and treat the Primary Election processes in accordance with the extant laws of the Party.
Ends
