ADC primary irregularities alleged by Ibrahim Wala spark controversy, with claims of intimidation, vote buying and manipulation during the election
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ibrahim Wala, has alleged widespread irregularities during the party’s presidential primary election held in Gombe State, Nigeria, claiming that the process was compromised by intimidation, vote buying and behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Also read: Amaechi Wins ADC Ebonyi Presidential Primary in Landslide Victory
Ibrahim Wala, a known supporter of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, made the allegations in a post shared on his official Facebook page, describing the exercise as a “brazen, shameless auction” that, according to him, undermined the values the party claimed to uphold.
The allegations come amid growing internal tensions within the opposition party, following earlier claims by Rotimi Amaechi that the election lacked transparency and fairness.
Wala, who monitored proceedings in Gombe State, alleged that voters were intimidated and disenfranchised, insisting that the outcome of the contest was not determined at the polling venue but in what he described as a hotel room used as a clandestine decision-making centre.
He further claimed that some individuals attempted to influence him directly during the process, stating that he was approached by an agent offering access to party leadership in exchange for unspecified advantages.
“I was personally approached by an agent offering to take me to the committee leadership’s hotel room to secure whatever I needed,” Wala alleged.
He also described the alleged setting as a “clandestine situation room,” where, according to him, key decisions were finalised away from public scrutiny.
The irregularities claims have added fresh pressure on the party’s leadership, coming shortly after Rotimi Amaechi publicly rejected the election results and raised concerns over transparency in the process.
Wala also urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is currently leading in the contest, to distance himself from what he termed “dirty, concocted primary election results,” although no official response has been issued by the party or the individuals mentioned.
Also read: Amaechi Wins ADC Ebonyi Presidential Primary in Landslide Victory
The African Democratic Congress has yet to formally respond to the allegations.
