Three aggrieved candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State have firmly denied claims that they are being sponsored to destabilize the party’s governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami. The candidates—Abubakar Sadiq Sa’adu Fakai, Muhammad Umar, and Nafiu Bello Shuwa—emerged as winners in the party’s primaries but are now challenging their alleged replacement in court. They insist that their legal actions stem from a desire to reclaim mandates they believe were unlawfully taken from them, not to sabotage the party or its flagbearer.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the trio dismissed allegations of external sponsorship as baseless and misleading. They emphasized that their fight is not against Malami or the ADC, but against what they describe as fraudulent activities within the party. The candidates accused certain members of forging affidavits and other documents to falsely claim that they had voluntarily withdrawn from the race. These forged papers, they argue, were used to legitimize their removal from the governorship race without proper process.
“We are not fighting Malami, ADC, or anybody,” the statement read. “We remain undeterred in our legal struggle to reclaim our stolen mandates by the alleged forgers in our party, whom we believe are not after the success of our party.” The candidates maintained their loyalty to the ADC and expressed solidarity with fellow members who they consider lawful and committed to the party’s goals.
Fakai, speaking on behalf of the group, stressed that the allegations of sponsorship would not deter them from pursuing justice through the courts. He reiterated that they are valid candidates who won their positions fairly during the primaries and are simply exercising their constitutional right to seek redress. According to him, the forgery of documents goes beyond an internal dispute and constitutes a criminal act punishable under Nigerian law.
He also warned that those attempting to position themselves as supporters of Malami while engaging in divisive tactics may be undermining the governorship candidate’s chances. The candidates believe such actions threaten the unity and credibility of the ADC ahead of the upcoming elections.
Despite the controversy, the three remain resolute in their legal battle and continue to appeal to the judiciary for a fair resolution. Their case highlights growing concerns about transparency and fairness in political party primaries across Nigeria. As the election season approaches, the outcome of this legal challenge could set a precedent for how disputes over candidate selection are handled in future electoral cycles.
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