The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered a major setback in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State following the defection of more than 10,000 members loyal to former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
The defectors, who announced their exit from the ruling party during a gathering in Akwanga, cited alleged irregularities in the recently conducted APC governorship primaries in the state.
In a symbolic display of their dissatisfaction, members of the group publicly discarded and burned party symbols, accusing the APC leadership of undermining internal democracy.
According to the group, the governorship primary election was marred by manipulation and fraudulent practices designed to sideline key stakeholders and party faithful across Nasarawa State.
They described the exercise as a “kangaroo process” that failed to reflect the wishes of party members.
Addressing journalists during the event, a spokesperson for the movement condemned the outcome of the primaries, insisting that the process lacked credibility and transparency.
“We categorically reject the outcome of this deeply compromised primary election. A process built on manipulation and the deliberate exclusion of genuine stakeholders cannot stand as the will of the people. This exercise was an insult to democratic tenets, and we refuse to validate it with our continued stay in the party,” the spokesperson said.
The aggrieved members appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the political situation in Nasarawa State and safeguard the integrity of the democratic process before internal disputes further deepen divisions within the party.
Despite their departure from the APC, the group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Adamu’s governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections. They maintained that the former police chief remains the most widely acceptable candidate capable of providing inclusive and purposeful leadership for Nasarawa State.
The movement also pointed to Adamu’s record in public service and nation-building as evidence of his suitability for the state’s top office, expressing confidence that his political aspiration would continue to enjoy widespread support across the state.