By Our Correspondent
The much-anticipated All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Adamawa State have been thrown into controversy, confusion, and allegations of political imposition, as party faithful across the Ganye, Jada, Toungo, and Mayo-Belwa Federal Constituency lament what many described as a “daylight betrayal of democracy.”
Originally scheduled to hold on Friday, May 15, 2026, the primaries were reportedly shifted to Saturday, May 16, 2026, leaving thousands of party members and supporters stranded in uncertainty. However, despite the postponement, the exercise allegedly failed to take place in several wards, sparking outrage and deepening cracks within the ruling party.
From the early hours of Saturday morning, APC members reportedly trooped out in large numbers across polling centers and wards in Ganye, Jada, and Mayo-Belwa Local Government Areas, eagerly waiting for electoral officials and party representatives expected to conduct the primaries.
But as hours turned into frustration, hope gradually faded into anger.
Correspondents monitoring the exercise across the constituency revealed that many wards witnessed no sign of officials, voting materials, or party coordinators throughout the day. Supporters who had gathered under the scorching sun reportedly waited endlessly in anticipation, only to return home disappointed and disillusioned.
The situation became even more explosive towards evening after allegations surfaced that a “favoured candidate” allegedly enjoying the backing of the state governor had already been declared winner despite the primaries not being conducted in several locations.
The allegation ignited fury among party loyalists, many of whom openly accused powerful forces within the party of hijacking the democratic process and imposing candidates against the will of grassroots members.
In Toungo Local Government Area, the tension reportedly escalated into violence as aggrieved supporters allegedly exchanged blows during heated arguments over the legitimacy of the exercise. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion as party members clashed over what many termed a “scripted outcome.”
Political observers say the development may trigger a dangerous wave of rebellion within the APC in Adamawa if urgent reconciliation measures are not taken.
Several party members from affected wards threatened to dump the APC should the alleged imposition stand. According to them, the party leadership had earlier directed members to register online for APC membership, assuring them that the era of delegate manipulation was over and that direct primaries would allow ordinary members to freely elect candidates of their choice.
One visibly angry APC stalwart, while reacting to the unfolding drama, did not hide his frustration.
“We were told to go and register online because the delegate system had been abolished. They said it would now be direct primaries where every member would have a voice. If candidates decide among themselves to go for consensus willingly, we can understand that. But nobody will accept imposition forced on the people,” he declared angrily.
The growing controversy has further fueled concerns over the internal stability of the APC, not only in Adamawa State but across the country, as complaints of alleged manipulation, favoritism, and lack of transparency continue to trail party primaries ahead of the 2027 political season.
Analysts warn that failure by the party leadership to address the grievances of aggrieved members could weaken the APC’s grassroots structure and hand opposition parties a major advantage in future elections.
For many disappointed supporters who spent the entire day waiting for an exercise that never held, the question remains haunting and unanswered:
“Is this truly the democracy Nigerians were promised?”
PIONEER NEWS 