Residents and political supporters in Numan Local Government Area on Tuesday staged a protest over alleged plans to impose candidates ahead of the 2027 state and federal legislative elections in Adamawa State.
The protesters, drawn from parts of the Numan Federation which includes Numan, Lamurde and Demsa, marched through major streets carrying placards with various inscriptions condemning alleged attempts at political imposition.
Some of the placards read: “Numan, Lamurde and Demsa Reject Imposition,” “Allow Democracy to Thrive,” “Gov. Fintiri, We Won’t Accept Imposition,” and “Let the People Decide.”
The demonstrators called for transparent and credible primary elections, insisting that party candidates for the 2027 general elections must emerge through democratic processes in line with the constitution and internal guidelines of the All Progressives Congress.
The protesters alleged that there were moves by political interests to handpick candidates for state and federal legislative positions, a development they said could undermine internal democracy and disenfranchise party members at the grassroots.
Speaking during the protest, Ummi Umar Babagana said the people of the area were determined to resist any attempt to impose candidates on them.
According to her, democracy can only flourish when party members are allowed to freely choose their representatives through open and fair primaries.
Another speaker, Gowon Peter, expressed concern that political imposition could create divisions within the party and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
He urged political leaders to respect the wishes of the people and ensure that all aspirants are given a level playing field ahead of the elections.
Also speaking, Bulus said the protest was aimed at sending a clear message that the people of the Numan Federation would not tolerate any form of manipulation during the party selection process.
He maintained that only credible and popular candidates should emerge through democratic means.
On his part, Asher Dembo called on party stakeholders and leaders to uphold justice and fairness in the interest of peace and unity within the party.
The protesters vowed to continue mobilising support for free, fair and transparent primaries across the state, stressing that the future of democracy depends on the active participation of party members in choosing their leaders.