ADC Primaries: Niger Reps Aspirant Alleges Manipulation

An African Democratic Congress (ADC) aspirant for the Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency seat in Niger State, Barrister David Yisa Ndako Gbadafu, has alleged manipulation and bribery in the collation process of the recent primary election for the seat.

Gbadafu said the announced results, which named Mohammed Abubakar (Abacon) as the winner, do not reflect the actual choice of party members in the constituency. According to him, results from each local government favoured him, but the outcome changed at the state secretariat level.

“There were allegations of bribery and other sentiments against those who compiled and announced the result,” Gbadafu stated. He urged the national leadership to intervene before the dispute escalates and affects the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

Barrister Gbadafu also said: “As a loyal party man, I believe in the competence of its national leadership to do the needful. We will pursue this matter until justice is attained.”

Speaking on behalf of the campaign, Media Coordinator Jibrin Saidu said irregularities occurred during the announcement of the results. He claimed the returning officer initially announced 9,000 votes for Gbadafu before revising the figure to 6,000, which he described as clear evidence of manipulation.

Saidu also alleged that credible information points to negotiations and financial inducements exceeding ₦20 million involving some state executives and stakeholders, allegedly aimed at announcing a candidate who did not win the primary election.

“The people, delegates, and party faithful across Bida, Gbako, and Katcha are fully aware that Barr. David Yisa Ndako Gbadafu legitimately won the primary election through a transparent and democratic process,” Saidu said.

He warned that altering the outcome in favour of their opponent undermines democracy and damages the integrity of the ADC. The campaign said it would mobilise peaceful protests within and outside Niger State if the rightful winner is not declared, stressing that “the voice of the people must prevail over personal interests, financial inducements, or political conspiracies.”

Saidu added that the constituency prioritises unity and development, noting that the Nupe people have coexisted peacefully despite religious differences. He called on those stoking division to desist, saying the goal remains “unity, progress, and development of the constituency and the entire country.”

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