Kebbi ADC Primaries: Fakai Urges INEC, Security Agencies to Reject Poll Amid Violence

Internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has deepened following the rejection of a purported primary election by Sadiq Sa’adu Fakai, who claims to remain the party’s valid candidate for the Zuru, Fakai Danko/Wasagu and Sakaba Federal Constituency.

Fakai alleged that a fresh primary election was organised on Tuesday by some party officials in an attempt to replace him with another aspirant, describing the exercise as a “kangaroo primary” that he neither participated in nor consented to.

In a statement signed by him on Wednesday, Fakai rejected the purported primary in its entirety and denied claims that he had agreed to relinquish his candidacy.

Fakai Rejects Alleged Replacement

Fakai said the primary was organised without his consent, insisting that he had not reached any agreement with the party or any individual to withdraw from the race.

According to him, attempts to replace his candidacy could further deepen the crisis within the Kebbi ADC and undermine the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I remain the valid ADC candidate of Zuru and Fakai Danko/Wasagu and Sakaba Federal Constituency. I have not met or agreed to any primary in Kebbi ADC,” he said.

Alleged Violence Reported in Zuru

The development has also raised concerns over security in Zuru, with Fakai alleging that an individual identified as Emmanuel Zuru was attacked after voicing opposition to the purported primary.

Fakai alleged that the man was attacked with a machete by suspected thugs and sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body.

The allegation could not be independently verified at the time of publication.

Fakai warned that continued disagreement over the party’s candidate could create tension in the constituency if the disputed primary is recognised without resolving the existing complaints.

Fakai Calls on INEC, Security Agencies

The candidate called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to reject the outcome of the disputed primary, saying petitions and a legal action challenging the process are already before the relevant authorities and the court.

He also accused the party, INEC and security agencies of failing to adequately respond to complaints he said were previously submitted concerning the controversy.

Fakai urged the electoral commission and security agencies to exercise caution and ensure that any decision concerning the disputed candidacy is based on the law and relevant electoral procedures.

Kebbi Opposition Faces Internal Pressure

The latest dispute comes amid continuing political realignments and internal competition across Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Bureau Journal recently reported on political activities involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Governor Nasir Idris’ consultations with traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC stakeholders in the state have also publicly rallied behind Governor Idris for another term, highlighting the increasingly active political environment ahead of the next electoral cycle. The development was reported in Kebbi APC Stakeholders Endorse Gov. Idris for Re-Election.

For the opposition, however, internal disagreements over candidates and party structures could present additional challenges as political activities intensify.

Fakai Urges Supporters to Remain Calm

Despite the dispute, Fakai called on his supporters and residents of the constituency to remain calm and law-abiding.

He said he would continue to pursue legal avenues to challenge the disputed primary and protect what he described as his legitimate candidacy.

“I remain the valid ADC candidate,” Fakai reiterated, insisting that he did not consent to the purported replacement process.

The controversy is expected to be closely watched by political stakeholders as the ADC and other parties prepare for the 2027 elections in Kebbi State.

Until the relevant authorities or a competent court determine the validity of the disputed primary and candidacy, the competing claims remain subject to the ongoing legal and political processes.