The political landscape in Adamawa state is heating up as Omar Suleiman, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, has publicly rejected any attempts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to alter the party's primary election results. Suleiman's firm stance comes amid growing tensions within the ADC as the party gears up for the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on August 28, Suleiman declared, "I remain the duly elected governorship candidate of the ADC in Adamawa state," emphasizing that the party's primary election was conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and witnessed by party members and the public. He stated that he emerged victorious, while Tukur Modibbo, who is reportedly being positioned by Atiku, came in second.

The dispute has escalated to the point where Suleiman has sought legal recourse. He has approached the Federal High Court for an injunction to prevent any attempts to substitute his name as the ADC candidate. Suleiman disclosed that he has served the relevant court processes to INEC and both the national and state structures of the ADC. He also mentioned that Atiku has been informed about this legal action.

Suleiman framed the issue as a matter of democratic integrity, asserting that no individual should have the power to overturn the results of a primary election after party members have cast their votes. "This is not about my personal ambition. It is about the sanctity of our democratic process," he stated, insisting that the will of the party members must be respected.

In a direct appeal to Atiku, Suleiman urged him to withdraw any moves to promote Modibbo as the ADC candidate, stating, "I therefore respectfully but firmly call on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to withdraw the said post and refrain from any action capable of undermining the lawful process already undertaken by the party and that is currently before the court."

Suleiman's call for calm comes as he encourages ADC members and supporters to remain law-abiding while the legal process unfolds. He reiterated the importance of democracy, stating, "Democracy means that the people choose, and that their choice must be respected. Adamawa ADC members have made their choice; it is left for our political leaders to respect it or disregard it."

The ongoing conflict places the ADC's governorship ticket at the center of a significant political and legal battle as the party prepares for the upcoming elections. With the stakes high, all eyes will be on how this dispute unfolds in the coming months.