Gombe Reps Aspirant Rejects APC Primaries, Says Election Never Held

House of Representatives aspirant in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, Alfred John Attajiri, has rejected Saturday’s primary outcome, alleging results were declared for an election that never occurred.

Alfred John Attajiri said in a statement that party officials announced winners despite an absence of accreditation, voting and counting across Balanga and Billiri local government areas.

He accused former state commissioner Mohammed Sa’idu Yila Fawu of declaring results without a valid electoral process and described the move as “a direct assault on democracy.”

“I address you today with a heavy heart following the shocking and unacceptable announcement of purported results from an APC primary election that, in reality, did not hold across our constituency,” Attajiri said.

He said he has video, photographic and eyewitness evidence to support his claim and warned that the episode risks eroding public confidence in the party.

Attajiri urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe to intervene, saying failure to act would embolden impunity and weaken ordinary members’ faith in the party’s internal democracy.

The challenge comes hours after Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the exercise as credible and transparent, speaking to journalists after voting in his ward, Jekadafari, Gombe local government. The governor’s endorsement contrasts with Attajiri’s allegations and highlights divisions within the state party.

There was no immediate response from state APC officials to Attajiri’s demand for intervention, and the party had not released detailed ward-by-ward returns as of filing time. It remained unclear whether Attajiri would pursue legal steps or internal party remedies to challenge the declared results.