By our correspondent
An aspirant for the Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency seat under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Barr. David Yisa Ndako Gbadafu, has called on the party’s national leadership to declare him the winner of the recent primary election.
Gbadafu in a press briefing alleged manipulation and bribery in the collation process to favour Mohammed Abubakar (Abacon) as winner that does not reflect the actual choice of majority of the party members in the constituency, however revealed that results from each local government favoured him, but the outcome changed at the state secretariat of the party.
According to him, “There were allegations of bribery and other sentiments against those who compiled and announced the result,” Gbadafu stated. He urged the national leadership to intervene before the dispute escalates and affects the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Barrister Gbadafu stated, “As a loyal party man, I believe in the competence of its national leadership to do the needful. We will pursue it until justice is attained.”
Speaking on half of the campaign, Media Coordinator Jibrin Saidu said irregularities occurred during the announcement of results. He alleged that the returning officer first announced 9,000 votes for Gbadafu before revising the figure to 6,000, which he described as clear evidence of manipulation.
Saidu further alleged that credible information points to negotiations and financial inducements exceeding ₦20 million involving some state executives and stakeholders, allegedly aimed at announcing a candidate who did not win the primary.
“The people, delegates, and party faithful across Bida, Gbako, and Katcha are fully aware that Barr. David Yisa Ndako Gbadafu legitimately won the primary election through a transparent and democratic process,” Saidu said.
He warned that manipulating the outcome in favour of their opponent undermines democracy and damages the reputation of the ADC, while the campaign said it would mobilise peaceful protests within and outside Niger State if the rightful winner is not declared, stressing that “the voice of the people must prevail over personal interests, financial inducements, or political conspiracies.”
Saidu added that the constituency prioritizes unity and development, noting that the Nupe people have coexisted peacefully over the years despite religious differences.
He called on those stoking division to desist, saying the goal remains “unity, progress, and development of the constituency and the entire country.”
