Mass Defection Hits APC in Akwanga as Thousands of Adamu’s Supporters Dump Party Over Alleged Primary Irregularities

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered a major political setback in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State following the defection of thousands of party members loyal to former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

The defectors, estimated at over 10,000, announced their resignation from the ruling party in what they describe as one of the largest political realignments in the area ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development is particularly significant as Akwanga is widely regarded as one of the key political strongholds in Nasarawa State and the home local government area of Governor Abdullahi Sule.

In a dramatic display of dissatisfaction, the aggrieved members publicly discarded and set ablaze APC symbols during a gathering, declaring that they could no longer remain in a party they accused of abandoning democratic principles and fairness.

The mass exodus followed the recently concluded APC governorship primary election in Nasarawa State, which supporters of Mohammed Adamu have strongly rejected, alleging widespread irregularities and manipulation of the process.

Speaking on behalf of the movement, a spokesperson accused the party leadership of conducting what he described as a flawed and predetermined exercise designed to sideline genuine stakeholders and suppress the wishes of party members.

“We categorically reject the outcome of this deeply compromised primary election. A process built on manipulation and the deliberate exclusion of genuine stakeholders cannot represent the will of the people.

What took place was a complete violation of democratic principles, and we cannot continue to lend legitimacy to such a process by remaining in the party,” the spokesperson said.

The group alleged that the governorship primary lacked transparency and inclusiveness, insisting that the outcome did not reflect the aspirations of party members across the state.

They further expressed disappointment over what they described as the failure of the party leadership to address complaints raised before and during the primary process.

The defectors called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the political developments within the Nasarawa APC, urging him to take steps to safeguard internal democracy and prevent further divisions within the party.

According to them, unresolved grievances arising from the primary election could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s cohesion and electoral fortunes in the state if left unattended.

Despite their exit from the APC, the group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Mohammed Abubakar Adamu’s governorship aspiration, describing the former police chief as a credible and experienced leader capable of providing purposeful leadership for Nasarawa State.

They maintained that Adamu enjoys broad acceptance across the state’s diverse communities and possesses the administrative experience, integrity, and leadership qualities required to address the developmental challenges facing the state.

The latest defection pointing at the growing political realignments taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections, with analysts predicting further movements across party lines as political actors reposition themselves for the contest ahead.