Fintiri’s associates, others emerge winners of controversial Adamawa APC reps primaries
By Mohammed Ismail
Prominent political associates of governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri have emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the highly disputed house of representatives primaries of Saturday which was trailed by indignant protest across the state.
Our reporter who saw the list of winners confirms that close political associates of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, featured prominently, a development that has further deepened suspicion and internal tensions within the ruling party.
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Among those declared winners are Barrister Kwamoti La’ori for Numan/Demsa/Lamurde federal constituency, Hon. Suleiman Gangkuba for Ganye/Jada/Toungo/Mayo Belwa federal constituency, Hon. James Barka for Hong/Gombi federal constituency, and Hon. Zakariya Nyampa for Michika/Madagali federal constituency.
Other who may not necessarily be connected to Fintiri include Aliyu Wakili Boya for Fufore/Song federal constituency, Ramatu Sali Bello for Mubi North/Mubi South/Maiha federal constituency, Engineer Ahmed Salihijo for Yola North/Yola South/Girei federal constituency, and Golfa Mallim Bature for Shelleng/Guyuk federal constituency.
However, shortly after the announcement of results, protests erupted in several parts of the state as dissatisfied aspirants accused party leaders of orchestrating a predetermined outcome.
Many of the aspirants have alleged that the primaries lacked transparency, insisting that delegates were sidelined while results were allegedly compiled in advance in favour of preferred aspirants.
A number of party stakeholders alleged that the process was manipulated to favour aspirants believed to enjoy the backing of influential political figures in Adamawa State.
Several aspirants and party loyalists expressed fears that the disputed primaries could trigger massive anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections if the grievances are not addressed urgently.
Some party members warned that the perceived injustice may weaken the APC’s chances in Adamawa State, particularly in constituencies where aggrieved aspirants command substantial grassroots support.
Despite the widespread allegations and protests, the APC electoral committee insisted that the exercise was free, fair, and credible.
The chairman of the committee overseeing the primaries in Adamawa, Professor Ahmad Yushau, dismissed claims of manipulation and maintained that due process was followed throughout the exercise.
Speaking during a press briefing at the APC State Secretariat in Yola before the commencement of the primaries, Yushau assured aspirants and party members that the committee was committed to a transparent and democratic exercise.
According to him, adequate arrangements were put in place to ensure fairness, while all accredited delegates were allowed to participate freely without intimidation.
The committee also argued that complaints and disagreements are common features of political contests, particularly in highly competitive primaries involving multiple strong contenders.
Party officials further maintained that all aspirants were given equal opportunities and that the eventual winners emerged through lawful democratic procedures.
