ADC Primary Elections in Kaduna State

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The recently concluded All‑Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries in Kaduna State have been described as a “sham.” The party, which was established by a group of dedicated Nigerians, is said to be at risk of being hijacked by new entrants who allegedly used the primaries for personal gain. According to the author, these politicians displaced long‑time members who had helped build the party in less than two months.

In Sabon‑Gari Local Government, where the author is from, direct primaries were held in only six of the eleven wards. A returning officer, an academic from a reputable university, announced the results and declared the candidate with the highest scores the winner. The author claims the results were doctored and expected the national committee to rectify the flawed elections. Reports indicate that “kangaroo” primaries were conducted in all 23 local governments of the state, with results manipulated to favor newcomers, thereby undermining internal democracy and promoting unpopular candidates.

The national committee, which was supposed to address grievances of candidates who participated in the primaries, reportedly left the complaints unaddressed. Organizers of the alleged shoddy elections are said to have escaped without consequence.

Despite these concerns, the author congratulates the ADC presidential candidate, Wazirin Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for being declared the winner and the sole candidate to face the ruling party in the 2027 general election.

Jamilu Bello Dogarawa, Kaduna State