Written By: Ahmed Rufa’i in Dutse
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary election in Jigawa State has descended into controversy following allegations of violence, electoral malpractice and internal party crisis that forced the suspension of results collation and delayed the declaration of a winner.
The troubled primary election, which began last Monday across the 27 local government areas of the state, suffered major setbacks after reports of intimidation, disputed results and factional disagreements emerged from several councils.
The crisis came to the fore on Wednesday at the Tashir Guests Palace in Dutse, where party officials abruptly suspended the collation exercise amid rising tension among delegates and supporters of various aspirants.
Addressing journalists shortly before announcing the suspension, the Chief Returning Officer, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Zaki Ahmed, disclosed that only 19 local government results had been received out of the 27 councils in the state.
According to him, results from Auyo, Roni and Kazaure local government areas were still outstanding, while elections conducted in some areas had already been marred by controversies.
Ahmed identified Babura, Hadejia and Gwaram local government areas as flashpoints of irregularities and security concerns.
He explained that Gwaram witnessed threats of violence, while allegations of malpractice and irregularities were reported in Hadejia and Babura.
The returning officer also revealed that no election was held in Guri Local Government Area due to unresolved conflict among factional leaders of the party.
“There was no election completely in Guri because of disagreements between factional leaders. In view of the irregularities and security concerns recorded in some local governments, we have decided to suspend the collation exercise,” he said.
Ahmed added that the exercise would resume after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, with officials expected to reconvene at the same venue by 2pm for continuation of the process and possible announcement of the party’s governorship candidate.
The development has heightened tension within the party as supporters of different aspirants continued to exchange accusations over alleged attempts to manipulate the outcome of the primary election.
Security operatives maintained heavy presence around the collation centre to forestall possible breakdown of law and order as party faithful anxiously awaited the next line of action from the ADC leadership.
Despite the controversy, the returning officer thanked delegates, party officials and security agencies for their cooperation during the exercise.
