Durkwa Rejects ADC Governorship Primary Process in Adamawa, Reaffirms Commitment to ‘People First’ Movement

Durkwa Rejects ADC Governorship Primary Process in Adamawa, Reaffirms Commitment to ‘People First’ Movement

A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa, has rejected the outcome of the party’s governorship selection process, alleging that no valid primary election was conducted in line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

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Durkwa, who recently joined the ADC after previously aspiring for the governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC), disclosed this in a statement addressed to his supporters, friends, and residents of Adamawa State.

The aspirant said his political movement, tagged the “People First Project,” was established to promote hope, competence, justice, and service to humanity in Adamawa State.

According to him, his decision to join the ADC was based on the party’s promise of fairness, inclusion, and democratic values. He explained that he and his supporters were prepared to participate in either a consensus arrangement or a direct primary election.

However, Durkwa alleged that there was no agreement on consensus and that the direct primary option, which he described as the only legitimate and lawful process, was not conducted.

“The Electoral Act as provided by INEC and the ADC guidelines for direct primaries were detailed, objective, and unambiguous. Sadly, those rules were ignored. No direct primary election was conducted,” he stated.

He criticised what he described as the abandonment of due process and democratic principles, insisting that politics should be guided by integrity, honour, and accountability rather than manipulation.

Durkwa announced plans to challenge the process in court, saying justice must prevail for democracy to thrive.

“Justice is not merely a political slogan; it is a foundational principle for human flourishing and national development,” he said.

The ADC governorship aspirant maintained that he was neither angry nor discouraged by the development, stressing that losing an election would not have been a problem if a credible process had taken place.

“Losing an election would never have been a problem for me. Democracy allows for victory and defeat. But the painful truth is this: there was no election,” he added.

Durkwa also expressed concern over the impact of flawed political processes on young Nigerians, warning that continued manipulation of democratic institutions could deepen public distrust and hopelessness among the youth.

He urged his supporters not to lose hope, assuring them that the “People First Project” would continue despite the setback.

“This challenge will not stop us. The dream is still alive. The People First Project continues,” he said.

Durkwa Rejects ADC Governorship Primary Process in Adamawa, Reaffirms Commitment to ‘People First’ Movement