ADC supporters protest alleged plot to replace Adamawa governorship candidate Omar Suleiman

Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest over alleged plans to replace Mr Omar Suleiman as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.

The protesters marched to the party’s state secretariat in Yola, carrying placards and demanding that Suleiman remain the party’s authentic governorship flagbearer.

Some of the placards read:

“Don’t Forcefully Remove Our Candidate, Suleiman Omar.”

“Hands Off Omarana, He Is Our Duly Elected Candidate.”

Addressing the protesters, Mr Madu Umar, Chairman of the Frontier Movement Nationwide, described the alleged move to replace the candidate as unfounded and capable of creating unnecessary tension within the party.

“Our candidate emerged through a transparent primary conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“We call on the ADC national leadership, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to disregard any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary election,” he said.

Umar warned that replacing a candidate who emerged through due process would undermine internal democracy and disregard the collective will of party members.

He appealed to supporters across the state to remain calm, united and law-abiding, assuring them that lawful means would be pursued to protect the party’s mandate and ensure Suleiman remained on the ballot.

One of the protesters, Mr Solomon Nuhu, an executive of the party in Namtari Ward, Yola North Local Government Area, said the demonstration had exposed what he described as the plans of those seeking to replace the candidate.

Nuhu insisted that party members would resist any attempt to substitute a candidate who emerged through a legitimate primary process.

He added that respecting the wishes of party members was essential to preserving the unity and electoral strength of the ADC, warning that decisions contrary to the majority’s wishes could trigger defections.

Also speaking, the party’s Women Leader, Mrs Aisha Hamidi, reaffirmed her support for Suleiman, describing him as the most suitable person to lead Adamawa State.

She urged the party’s National Working Committee to uphold internal democracy and ensure that the wishes of members prevailed over personal interests.

The protest comes amid growing speculation over the ADC governorship ticket in Adamawa ahead of the 2027 elections, although the party’s national leadership has yet to make an official statement on the matter.