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

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Nine Zamfara Lawmakers Dump APC for ADC Ahead of 2027

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

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“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

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October 26, 2026

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Fayose's brother urges ex-Ekiti governor to reject REA chairmanship appointment

“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

Abuja — Isaac Fayose has fired back at critics in dramatic fashion, declaring he will neither slap Nyesom Wike’s son nor kick President Bola Tinubu’s son Seyi out of his presence — but insisting with equal fury that the President must be voted out in 2027.

 

The businessman and younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose ignited a firestorm after photos surfaced of him hanging out with Seyi Tinubu and Joaquin Wike, son of the FCT Minister. Critics immediately accused him of betraying the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

Fayose, however, refused to back down. In a video posted on his Facebook page, he threw a rhetorical punch at his accusers: “Tinubu must go. Wike is a land grabber. That doesn’t mean that Wike’s son will come and greet me and I will slap him. Or President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, will come and greet me and I will kick him.”

 

He doubled down on his loyalty to Obi, declaring: “I campaigned for Obi. Do you know how much I spent on the last election? I still support Peter Obi. I still want Tinubu out of power.”

 

The controversy exploded after Fayose posted a photograph with Joaquin Wike, calling the minister’s son his younger brother. The image set social media ablaze, with users questioning why a self-proclaimed “101% Obidient” supporter would be seen with the family of a top APC figure.

 

It is not the first time Fayose has faced such backlash. In July 2026, a video showed him alongside Seyi Tinubu and socialite Cubana Chief Priest at an Abuja gathering where prayers were offered for the President and Nigeria. Fayose dismissed the meeting as a private social visit, not a political endorsement.

 

The latest storm underscores the fever-pitch sensitivity in opposition circles as political actors jostle for position ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. Fayose insists he is drawing a clear line — political allegiance on one side, personal courtesy on the other — but his critics are not buying it.

 

As of press time, neither the NDC nor Peter Obi’s camp has issued an official statement.

 

“I Won’t Slap Wike’s Son, I Won’t Kick Seyi Out — But Tinubu MUST Go!” Fayose Explodes

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‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

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October 25, 2026

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‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins
‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition politicians for the hunger and poverty confronting Nigerians, insisting that his administration is working to address the economic challenges as he formally launched his campaign for a second term in office.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off rally at the Kaduna Township Stadium, where he urged Nigerians to renew his mandate in the 2027 presidential election.

The President’s comments come amid persistent public concerns over rising food prices, petrol costs, transportation expenses and declining purchasing power, with the economy expected to remain a major issue in the contest for the presidency.

Addressing supporters at the rally, Tinubu challenged opposition politicians who have criticised his administration over hunger and poverty, arguing that they were responsible for creating the problems they now accuse his government of failing to resolve.

“I hear my opponents talking about hunger and poverty. Who created it? They did. They created hunger, they created poverty. We are trying to eradicate them,” the President said.

Tinubu defended his administration’s economic policies, maintaining that his government was taking steps to improve the country’s finances, promote development and create conditions for greater prosperity.

He also commended APC governors for their efforts in their respective states and promised Nigerians improved economic opportunities if he secured a second term.

“To you, the children of our country, we promise prosperity in our second term. You will not regret going to the polls,” he told the gathering.

The President urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the forthcoming election. He also called on APC supporters to vote for the party’s candidates at the presidential, governorship and legislative levels.

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Tinubu further defended his administration’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, insisting that the country would not return to the previous arrangement.

“Fuel subsidy is in our past: no more corruption, no more falsification of invoices, no more lies, no more smuggling of fuel,” he said.

The removal of the petrol subsidy, announced shortly after Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, remains one of the most consequential and controversial economic decisions of his administration.

The government has argued that the policy would reduce public expenditure, eliminate distortions in the petroleum market and free up resources for development. However, the increase in petrol prices following the reform has contributed to higher transportation and distribution costs, putting additional pressure on households and businesses.

The administration’s economic reforms, including changes to the foreign exchange system, have also generated debate over their long-term benefits and immediate effects on living standards.

Opposition politicians have repeatedly questioned the government’s management of the economy, arguing that the reforms have imposed significant hardship on Nigerians without delivering sufficient relief.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised Tinubu’s attempt to blame opposition parties for the country’s economic difficulties.

Atiku argued that the APC had governed Nigeria since 2015, first under former President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequently under Tinubu, and should therefore accept responsibility for the country’s economic conditions during its period in power.

He maintained that Nigerians were experiencing significant hardship under the current administration and urged the President to address the concerns of citizens rather than blame political opponents.

The exchange highlights the growing political contest over responsibility for hunger, poverty and the cost-of-living crisis as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the Kaduna rally, Vice-President Kashim Shettima also urged Nigerians, particularly voters in the North, to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Shettima recalled Tinubu’s previous support for northern presidential aspirants, including Atiku in 2007, Nuhu Ribadu in 2011 and Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 and 2019 elections. He argued that Tinubu had demonstrated political support for northern interests and called on voters to reciprocate.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also appealed to northern voters to back the President, pointing to federal infrastructure projects, education initiatives and security interventions.

The rally attracted prominent APC figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, campaign Director-General Abdulaziz Yari, ministers, lawmakers and governors.

The event marked the beginning of Tinubu’s campaign for another presidential term, with the President asking Nigerians to give his administration additional time to pursue its economic and development agenda.

However, the debate over the causes of Nigeria’s economic hardship is likely to remain central to the election campaign. While the APC is defending its reforms and promising improved prosperity, opposition parties are demanding greater accountability for the impact of government policies on food affordability, employment, household incomes and living standards.

As the 2027 election approaches, voters will have to assess the competing claims of the ruling party and the opposition against their own experiences of the economy and the policy proposals presented by the candidates.

‘They Created Hunger, Poverty’: Tinubu Fires at Opposition as 2027 Re-election Campaign Begins

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2027: Shettima Urges North to Repay Tinubu’s Support With Re-election

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October 25, 2026

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2027 election: Tinubu's retention of Shettima strengthens APC in the North – Kwankwaso

2027: Shettima Urges North to Repay Tinubu’s Support With Re-election

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on northern voters to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the region owes the President a political debt for his longstanding support for northern leaders, including the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Shettima made the appeal on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign launch in Kaduna, where he urged voters to support Tinubu and other APC candidates across the country in the forthcoming general elections.

According to the Vice-President, Tinubu’s political history demonstrates a consistent willingness to support leaders from the North, making it imperative for the region to reciprocate by backing his administration for another four-year term.

“We have come to ask you to renew a second time for the APC from top to bottom,” Shettima said.

He cited Tinubu’s role in supporting political figures from the North, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said the President had provided a platform to contest the presidency in 2007 following his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Shettima also recalled Tinubu’s support for Buhari during the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, describing the former Lagos State governor’s loyalty as evidence of honour and political commitment.

“And you can bear witness that in 2015 and 2019, President Tinubu stood solidly behind the late President Muhammadu Buhari, throughout his first and second term victories. This is a mark of honour and our faith in a man of honour,” he said.

Beyond appealing to the North on the basis of political loyalty, Shettima defended the Tinubu administration’s performance, highlighting projects and institutional developments he said demonstrated its commitment to national growth and the development of Kaduna State.

He said the administration had promised to restore Kaduna’s status as a leading centre of learning and pointed to the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the transition of the institution in Zaria to a federal university of education and the establishment of a state vocational institute in Rigachikun as evidence of progress.

The Vice-President also listed major infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, the Kano-Maradi railway, the Lagos-Kano rail corridor and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, as part of the administration’s development agenda.

He further highlighted ongoing work on the Sokoto-Badagry highway, describing the project as a strategic investment that could expand agricultural production and unlock economic opportunities across the country.

According to Shettima, the highway would improve connectivity, open up agricultural communities and strengthen the movement of goods and services, with potential benefits for farmers and businesses.

His appeal in Kaduna combined a call for political reciprocity with a defence of the administration’s record, as the APC seeks to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Vice-President urged northern voters to consider Tinubu’s past political alliances and the administration’s stated achievements in deciding whether to renew the President’s mandate.

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