An aspirant for the Kaduna South Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yusuf Umar Garkuwa, has rejected the emergence of Rufai Ahmad Chanchangi as the party’s candidate, alleging that no valid primary election was conducted.
Garkuwa, in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, said the publication of Chanchangi’s name by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ‘came as a surprise to many party members, supporters and seven other aspirants.
‘We reject this outcome because no valid primary election was conducted to produce a candidate in accordance with the Constitution of our party and the Electoral Act,’ he said.
The aspirant insisted that his objection was not borne out of personal differences but was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the party.
‘Our position is straightforward. This is not about personalities or political rivalry. It is about protecting the integrity of our party and ensuring that no one emerges as the flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress without following the constitutional process laid down by the party and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ he stated.
According to him, the emergence of the candidate did not reflect the wishes of ADC members and delegates in Kaduna South Federal Constituency.
Garkuwa disclosed that he had approached a court to challenge the process, expressing confidence that the judiciary would determine the matter in line with the law.
‘For this reason, we have approached a court of competent jurisdiction to challenge the process and seek appropriate judicial reliefs. We are confident that the court will uphold the Constitution, protect the rule of law, and ensure that justice is done,’ he said.
He urged members of the party to remain committed to democratic principles, saying Nigerians expected political parties to offer credible alternatives.
‘As democrats, we must continue to stand for democracy, not autocracy. Nigerians are looking to political parties for a genuine alternative. They deserve leaders who respect due process and institutions, not leaders who ask others to obey rules they are unwilling to obey themselves,’ he said.
The aspirant maintained that the legal action was not intended to create divisions within the party but to ensure that its constitution was respected.
‘I wish to assure every supporter that this legal action is not intended to divide our party. It is a lawful effort to protect its integrity and ensure that its constitution is respected. Strong political parties are built on rules, not on individuals,’ he added.
He also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful while the court considers the case.
‘I therefore urge all our supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and respectful throughout this process. Let no one be provoked into violence or any action capable of disrupting public peace. Our confidence is in the judiciary, and we shall allow the courts to determine this matter,’ Garkuwa said.
He further assured residents of Kaduna South Federal Constituency of his commitment to pursuing the matter through legal means.
‘Our struggle is not against any individual; it is for justice, fairness, and the preservation of democratic values,’ he said.