“Nasarawa Showdown: Abubakar Alleges APC’s Scheme to Override Primaries with Governor’s Pick”

A previous Inspector General of Police and a gubernatorial candidate on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, has accused the party’s leadership in the state of scheming to undermine the upcoming primaries through local executives.

Speaking via the Chairman of Counter and Mobilization of his campaign team, Mr. Isah Nathaniel, on Monday in Lafia, Abubakar alleged that the party leadership is orchestrating a coordinated effort to coerce local executives across the 147 wards of the state into supporting a favored candidate in advance of the 2027 elections.

The gubernatorial candidate asserted that it is not party organization but rather “political manipulation in its most blatant form,” expressing concern that what is being misrepresented as coordination is, in reality, “a shameless endeavor to usurp the will of party members and impose a preordained result.”

This accusation surfaced only hours after the State Chairman of the party, Dr. Aliyu Bello, assured that the leadership would provide an equitable environment for all aspirants during the primaries.

However, Abubakar cautioned that the attempt to exploit local executives for a surreptitious agenda could plunge the party into disorder and jeopardize its prospects before the 2027 elections, particularly as stakeholders have consented to adopt direct primaries for all elective roles.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly take notice of the situation and take decisive action to uphold the party’s integrity in the state.

He also sought immediate intervention from the party’s National Working Committee to stop the “emerging illegality and restore constitutional order.”

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant against any attempts to impose outcomes through coercive methods, indicating that it poses a direct threat to public tranquility and must not be overlooked.
The party affirmed its commitment to ensure a transparent and fair process during the primaries.

Its chairman, Dr. Bello, clarified that it is not attempting to undermine anyone, emphasizing that while Governor Sule has the right to endorse a candidate of his choosing, his endorsement cannot hinder others from contesting for the position.