ADC Youth Wing Demands Probe into Primaries Irregularities, Insists Implicated Leaders Must Resign

• The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into alleged widespread irregularities during the party’s primary elections, warning that failure to address the complaints could undermine the party’s credibility as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.

The crisis rocking the Senator David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a fresh turn on Wednesday as the party’s National Youth Wing demanded an independent investigation into alleged irregularities that marred its primary elections across the country. The youth wing also insisted that any party leaders found culpable should immediately resign from their positions.

The ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufai, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing, stating that the party’s youth wing could no longer remain silent over allegations that, if proven, would undermine the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency and fairness. He urged the National Working Committee to immediately establish an independent review panel to investigate all complaints arising from the primaries.

Rufai revealed that the youth wing had received petitions from aspirants across 23 states alleging manipulation of candidate nominations, financial inducements and other breaches of the party’s constitution. He warned that failure to address the complaints could undermine the ADC’s credibility as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.

Speaking passionately at the briefing, Rufai recounted the hopes that had accompanied the party’s primary elections, noting that thousands of party members had participated believing the process would reflect the ADC’s democratic ideals. “Only a few months ago, thousands of party members across our wards, local governments, and states celebrated what many believed would mark another important chapter in the democratic journey of our great party,” he said. “Aspirants invested their personal resources, supporters travelled long distances, volunteers gave countless hours, and young Nigerians stood shoulder to shoulder with hope that every legitimate vote and every genuine mandate would be respected. For many, the primary election was more than a contest for party tickets. It was a test of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and internal democracy. Today, that hope has been overshadowed by deep concern.”

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Rufai disclosed that formal petitions had already been submitted to the party’s Legal Department by the Appeal Committee constituted by the party, as well as by aggrieved aspirants, but lamented that no action had been taken. He said the exercise had instead generated widespread dissatisfaction among aspirants.

The youth leader detailed the nature of the allegations, stating that the youth wing had received petitions supported by documentary evidence alleging that some party officials accepted improper financial inducements to alter candidate nominations across over twenty-three states. “If these allegations are true, then those affected deserve justice, our members deserve answers, and our party deserves the courage to confront the truth,” Rufai declared. “If these allegations are established through an independent investigation, they would represent a grave violation of our party’s constitution, democratic principles, and the trust of our members. We now hold official records, petitions, and correspondence submitted by affected members for review.”

He painted a vivid picture of the human toll of the crisis, stating: “Behind every petition is a person who invested hope, time, resources, and the confidence of their supporters in this process. Today, some have resigned from the party they helped to build. Others have turned to the courts because they believe they have nowhere else to seek redress. Many remain within our ranks, waiting patiently for their concerns to be heard. Their disappointment should concern every leader who believes in justice and fairness.”

Rufai warned that every unresolved complaint weakens confidence in the party’s internal processes and places unnecessary strain on the unity needed ahead of the general election. “This uncertainty threatens our standing as the largest opposition force on the continent,” he said. “The Youth Wing will not stand by while the collective effort of millions of loyal members is undermined. As the voice of the largest demographic within our party, we have a responsibility to speak when the confidence of our members is at stake. This is not about protecting individuals or settling political scores. It is about protecting the integrity of our party. Every honest official should welcome an independent review because transparency strengthens institutions, while silence only fuels suspicion.”

He called for immediate, transparent, and decisive action, urging the National Working Committee to establish an independent review process to examine every complaint promptly and fairly. “Any official found, after a fair and independent investigation, to have manipulated the nomination process or accepted improper inducements must face the full disciplinary measures provided under the party’s constitution. Where credible evidence indicates criminal conduct, the matter should be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities,” he stated.

In a direct challenge to the party’s leadership, Rufai stated: “It is high time that if the current leadership of the party cannot bring the perpetrators of these gross injustices to book, then they must resign and make way for those ready to restore integrity to our party.”

He also called on aggrieved aspirants across the 36 states to submit their petitions, delegate tallies, video evidence and other supporting documents to the Office of the National Youth Leader for compilation and presentation to the appropriate organs of the party.

Despite the controversy, Rufai reaffirmed the youth wing’s loyalty to the ADC and declared support for the party’s presidential ticket of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, alongside all validly nominated candidates nationwide. “We believe this party is strongest when it is transparent, accountable, and faithful to its own rules. We owe every aspirant a fair process, every member an honest organization, and every Nigerian the confidence that we are prepared to hold ourselves to the same standards we expect of others. No political party can ask Nigerians to trust its commitment to democracy if it is unwilling to defend democracy within its own house.”

To ensure these issues are exhaustively pursued, Rufai announced that the ADC Youth Wing Legal Advisers, chaired by Barr. I.U. Wali and Barr. Juliet Laba, would work directly with aggrieved aspirants until all their issues are justifiably resolved.

The youth wing’s intervention comes amid wider turmoil within the ADC, which has been grappling with multiple leadership disputes and legal battles. The party, led by former Senate President David Mark, has been entangled in a leadership crisis with a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe . The Gombe faction recently asked INEC to remove David Mark’s National Working Committee from its portal and threatened Atiku Abubakar with legal action over his presidential candidacy. In April 2026, the ADC youth wing had previously issued a three-day ultimatum to INEC, demanding the restoration and recognition of the David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola-led leadership, accusing the electoral body of undermining democratic processes .

Rufai concluded his remarks with a prayer: “May Almighty God give us the wisdom to pursue justice with fairness and integrity. May He comfort those who have suffered injustice and grant our party leadership the courage to enforce transparency without fear or favor. We pray for God’s guidance upon our presidential team, all valid candidates, and the entire nation. Amen.”

ADC Youth Wing Demands Probe into Primaries Irregularities, Insists Implicated Leaders Must Resign

Sen Hanga denies APC defection rumours, says he has no plans to leave NDC

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, has dismissed growing speculation that he is preparing to defect from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he remains a loyal member of the party and has not made any decision to leave.

Hanga made the clarification during a radio programme in Kano following weeks of speculation triggered by his meetings with prominent APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other senior figures in the ruling party.

The senator said his recent political engagements should not be interpreted as a formal decision to abandon the NDC, maintaining that consultations and meetings with leaders across party lines are part of political engagement and do not automatically amount to defection.

“I still remain a member of NDC, and I have not yet made any plans of decamping out,” Hanga said.

His comments come as political consultations and realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political leaders holding meetings and exploring alliances across different parties.

Although Hanga reaffirmed his membership of the NDC, he expressed doubts about the party’s ability to defeat the APC at the national level in the next presidential election.

According to him, the NDC may struggle to make a significant impact across Nigeria, but he remains confident that the party has strong political prospects in Kano State.

“NDC will lose Nigeria. They can’t make any impact, but I’m certain they will win Kano. This I know, and as for me, I still remain a member of my party,” the senator said.

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Hanga’s comments have renewed discussions about the NDC’s political strength, its national prospects and the possible realignment of political forces in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Kano Central lawmaker also addressed reports suggesting that his relationship with former Kano State governor and influential political leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had completely broken down.

He said the reports were inaccurate, maintaining that mutual respect still exists between both men despite political differences and disagreements over recent political developments.

According to Hanga, there is no personal hostility between him and Kwankwaso, even though they may not always agree on political decisions.

Speaking about the emergence of the NDC governorship ticket in Kano State, Hanga gave his account of events that he said led to the party’s current political arrangements.

He claimed that Kwankwaso initially considered supporting his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, for the governorship position and communicated the possibility through the NDC chairman in Kano State, Hussaini Isa Mairiga.

“Kwankwaso sent an emissary to me through the NDC Chairman, Hussaini Isa Mairiga, that he was considering anointing his son, Mustapha, for the governorship seat,” Hanga said.

The senator said he welcomed the proposal and indicated that he was prepared to support Mustapha’s governorship ambition if the plan was eventually adopted.

“I bade them farewell and also told him to tell Kwankwaso that I was ready to be his son’s campaign manager. Since then, I did not hear anything from them,” he added.

Hanga said he was later approached by Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo concerning the Kano governorship contest.

According to him, Gwarzo informed him that he had been selected as the party’s governorship candidate and asked whether Hanga would be willing to serve as his deputy.

“After a few days, Aminu Abdussalam met me in Abuja and told me that Kwankwaso had made him the gubernatorial candidate of the party and asked if I was ready to be his deputy,” Hanga said.

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“Although I knew it was a demotion, I accepted, but then I just heard that Kwankwaso had made his son, Mustapha, the governor’s running mate.”

The senator’s comments have intensified public interest in his political future, particularly amid reports that he may have become dissatisfied with developments surrounding the NDC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

Speculation about Hanga’s possible move to the APC increased after APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda visited him in Kano.

Following the meeting, Yilwatda said their discussions focused on the unity, peace, stability and future of Kano State, stressing the importance of cooperation among political leaders regardless of party affiliation.

“Our discussions were cordial and focused on the unity, peace, stability and future of Kano State,” Yilwatda said.

The meeting generated fresh speculation that Hanga could be considering a political alliance with the APC, although the senator has continued to deny making any decision to defect.

Reports also emerged that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf met with Hanga in Abuja amid growing discussions about the senator’s political future.

Hanga was later seen at engagements involving Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Yilwatda and other APC leaders, further fueling speculation about a possible move to the ruling party.

The reports gained additional attention after Hanga held discussions with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Despite the high-profile meetings, the senator has maintained that he has not formally resigned from or defected from the NDC.

The NDC leadership in Kano has also appealed to Hanga to remain in the party, describing him as an important political figure and a key member of the party’s structure in the state.

The party’s leadership has expressed concern that his departure could affect its preparations and political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Hanga’s continued engagement with political leaders across party lines has, however, kept the defection rumours alive, particularly as political consultations intensify across Kano State.

The senator’s statement that the NDC may struggle at the national level, while retaining strong prospects in Kano, has also raised questions about whether he could eventually consider a new political platform ahead of the elections.

For now, Hanga has maintained that he remains a member of the NDC and has not announced any formal plan to join the APC.

His next political move is expected to attract significant attention because of his influence in Kano Central and the potential impact of any political realignment on the contest for Kano State and the 2027 general elections.

Sen Hanga denies APC defection rumours, says he has no plans to leave NDC

Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line

President Bola Tinubu has declared that he will not give up power without a political fight ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning opponents seeking to unseat him to prepare for a tough but fair democratic contest.

The President made the remarks while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where discussions focused on national development, governance, education, security and the future of the country.

Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027, said political opponents were free to challenge him but should not expect him to make the path to the presidency easy.

“Those who would take it from me will try. They will try. All is fair in politics, and there is equal opportunity,” the President said.

“I won’t offer them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me at home.

“No, we will wrestle each other to the finishing point. That’s the truth. That is fair in politics.”

The remarks come as political parties and prospective candidates begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expected to defend its control of the presidency while opposition parties work to strengthen their chances through alliances and political realignments.

Among the prominent opposition figures expected to play major roles in the 2027 contest are Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi, the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Tinubu also defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against allegations that it favours the ruling party, insisting that the electoral body had remained neutral and had not intimidated political actors.

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“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolf, then they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the company they keep,” he said.

The President maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system provides equal opportunities for political parties and candidates to campaign, mobilise supporters and seek the mandate of voters.

He said electoral competition should be conducted within the law and that political disagreements should not undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

Tinubu also used the meeting to defend the performance of his administration, saying difficult reforms introduced since he assumed office were beginning to produce positive results.

According to him, the government had accepted responsibility for addressing the economic and structural challenges it inherited rather than avoiding difficult decisions.

“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. The quality of life is improving,” Tinubu said.

“I inherited it. I didn’t run away. I asked for this job. I’m in it.”

The President identified the uninterrupted academic calendar in public universities as one of the achievements of his administration.

He said the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had enabled students to complete their academic programmes without the repeated disruptions that affected university education in previous years.

“None of your children in university today, and I would say they are all your children because you are Reverend Fathers, can say a four-year course is not four years,” Tinubu said.

“ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to your homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? To me, that’s an answer.”

Tinubu also addressed the long-standing demand by the Catholic Church for the return of mission schools, explaining that state governments have the authority to decide on the ownership and administration of schools within their jurisdictions.

He recalled that mission schools were returned to their original owners during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and urged the bishops to engage governors across the country on the matter.

“The schools are in the states. Preach to them, the governors of your states. They do the job,” he said.

“There is no need for a constitutional amendment for that. That is part of democracy. Choice.”

On national security and unity, Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria continued to face significant challenges but expressed confidence that the country could overcome them through cooperation, responsible leadership and a shared commitment to national development.

“The security situation is what it is. We don’t have another country but here,” the President said.

“This Nigeria. And we revert to our national anthem in its complexity and diversity; we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all of us.”

Tinubu said Nigeria’s founding leaders handed down a country that must be strengthened and preserved for future generations.

“Our founding fathers did their best. They left us a nation, and we owe it to our generations yet unborn to build a nation of unity, stability and prosperity for the future,” he added.

The meeting was led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso and lasted for about an hour. It provided an opportunity for the Catholic bishops and the President to exchange views on governance, education, security, national cohesion and other issues affecting Nigerians.

Tinubu’s comments are expected to generate fresh political debate as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.

While the APC seeks to retain power and secure another term for the President, opposition parties are expected to intensify consultations and political alliances as they work to present a strong challenge in the next election.

Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line