Fresh controversy has trailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency in Gombe State, following allegations that the exercise was manipulated.
One of the aspirants, Alfred John Attajiri, on Sunday dismissed the outcome of the primaries that declared Hon. Isah Ali JC winner, insisting that no election was conducted in the constituency.
In a strongly-worded protest letter issued to journalists, Attajiri described the process as undemocratic and accused party officials of announcing “predetermined results.”
He specifically alleged that former Gombe State Commissioner, Mohammed Sa’idu Yila Fawu, announced results despite the absence of voting across the constituency.
“Across Balanga and Billiri, there is overwhelming evidence in the form of videos, photographs, eyewitness accounts, and reports showing clearly that no valid electoral exercise took place before results were declared,” he said.
Attajiri warned that allowing such actions to stand could weaken internal democracy within the ruling party and discourage loyal party members.
“We are all members of the APC. We have remained loyal, committed, and dedicated to the progress of the party and the success of its leadership at every level,” he stated.
The aggrieved aspirant said residents and party supporters in Balanga/Billiri were disappointed and rapidly losing confidence in the party structure over the disputed exercise.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe to urgently intervene and restore confidence in the party’s democratic process.
Attajiri, however, called on his supporters, youths, women and elders in the constituency to remain calm and avoid violence while awaiting justice.
