…Says any change to party’s presidential ticket must follow due process
By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
KADUNA — The presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, has expressed concern over reports of possible attempts to alter the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Friday, said any attempt to substitute his name without his consent and outside established legal and party procedures would undermine democratic principles.
He said he had received information about alleged political pressure concerning the party’s presidential candidacy but did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the claim.
According to him, any decision affecting the party’s presidential candidate must comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the constitution and regulations of the ADP, as well as applicable procedures of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“Any attempt to secretly substitute, withdraw, replace or otherwise compromise my candidacy without my express consent and without strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, the constitution and regulations of the ADP, and applicable INEC procedures would constitute a grave assault on democratic principles and the rights of our members and supporters,” he said.
Abbas said he emerged as the ADP presidential candidate through the party’s recognised processes, stressing that any subsequent decision concerning the ticket should be handled transparently and in accordance with the law.
“My mandate is not a personal possession of any individual, neither is it a political bargaining chip to be traded behind closed doors,” he said.
The ADP candidate urged the party’s National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, state chairmen and other stakeholders to protect the integrity of the party’s presidential nomination process.
He also called on the party leadership to preserve official records relating to the presidential primary, nomination, submission of documents and communications with INEC.
Abbas said any alteration to the party’s presidential ticket should be undertaken only through lawful, transparent and verifiable procedures prescribed by the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.
He further urged political stakeholders to respect the rights of party members and supporters and allow democratic processes to determine candidates for the 2027 elections.
“Our party belongs to its members. Our mandate belongs to the people. And our democracy belongs to Nigeria,” he said.
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