By Labaran Abubakar, Kafanchan, Kaduna State
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum across Nigeria, developments surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary election in Kaduna State have emerged as one of the state’s most consequential political issues. What began as an internal party exercise has evolved into a defining test of the ADC’s commitment to the principles it has consistently championed: *justice, transparency, fairness and internal democra* cy.
For months, the ADC has presented itself as a credible alternative to the country’s dominant political parties. Its leaders have repeatedly criticized the ruling establishment for weakening democratic institutions, manipulating electoral processes and denying opposition parties a level playing field. Those criticisms have resonated with many Nigerians seeking a different political culture.
Today, however, the ADC faces a defining question of its own: Can it uphold within its own ranks the democratic values it expects others to respect? Would it be wise and willing to abide by its rules? Will it uphold the values of respect for law and order, processes, procedures, and systems?
Following the Kaduna State governorship primary, Rt. Hon. Isa Ashiru was officially declared winner of the election and thus the party’s candidate. While the declaration concluded the voting exercise, it did not settle the controversy surrounding the process. Instead it triggered widespread debate among party members, stakeholders, delegates and political observers.
Across Kaduna State, concerns were raised about the credibility of the exercise. Some stakeholders questioned whether the outcome truly reflected the wishes of the delegates and party faithfuls who came out enmass to vote their choice candidate. Indeed, many keen observers and others warned that any candidate whose emergence remains disputed could face significant challenges in uniting the party ahead of the general election.
These concerns extend beyond internal party politics. Political history demonstrates that opposition parties rarely defeat incumbents when they enter elections divided. Internal disputes often inflict greater damage than external opposition, eroding trust, weakening campaign structures and discouraging grassroots participation long before voters cast their ballots.
The controversies surrounding the election is caused by factors ranging from ill preparations by the party, used of fake documents by some candidates, intimidation, thuggery, manipulation, etc. These facts are manifest, open, and noticed by all and sundry.
Against this backdrop, several governorship aspirants such Mallam Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, Prof Muhammad Sani Bello and Mallam Shuaibu Idris Mikati, mni, chose to challenge the outcome through the party’s constitutional dispute-resolution mechanism rather than resorting immediately to public confrontation. His decision reflected confidence in the party’s internal processes and offered the ADC an opportunity to demonstrate that its institutions are capable of dispensing impartial justice.
The National Appeal Committee chaired by Dr. Muhammad Mustapha Fagge subsequently reviewed petitions submitted by aggrieved parties, examined reports from the primary election committee and considered allegations of irregularities said to have affected the integrity of the process.
According to reports from the review, the committee identified irregularities substantial enough to cast doubt on the validity of the original declaration. Having assessed the available evidence, it reportedly concluded that the election did not accurately reflect the will of the delegates and declared Shuaibu Idris Mikati mni the rightful winner of the primary.
Whether one agrees with that conclusion or not, the committee’s findings have placed the ADC’s National Working Committee at a pivotal crossroads.
This moment is no longer about individuals.
It is about institutional credibility. Its about rule of law and not jungle justice. Its about fairness, equity, and enduring legacy or living by what one preach or things that are espoused as core values of an organisation.
A political party cannot credibly demand transparency from others while appearing reluctant to uphold transparency within its own structures. It cannot condemn electoral injustice nationally while overlooking perceived injustice during its own nomination process. Justice cannot be selective; it must be consistent.
History offers countless lessons that parties are often weakened not by their opponents but by unresolved internal grievances. When party members lose confidence in the fairness of candidate selection processes, reconciliation becomes increasingly difficult. Supporters become disillusioned, campaign momentum weakens and electoral prospects diminish.
Kaduna State presents one of Nigeria’s most competitive political environments where unity, credibility and public confidence may prove decisive in determining electoral success in 2027.
Many stakeholders believe Shuaibu Idris Mikati enjoys broad acceptance among delegates, party members and grassroots supporters across the state. They argue that the Appeal Committee’s findings merely affirmed what many participants believed had occurred during the primary election.
Supporters further contend that respecting the committee’s verdict would reinforce the ADC’s image as a party governed by rules rather than personalities. Such a decision, they argue, would strengthen confidence among members while demonstrating to the electorate that the party genuinely practices the democratic principles it advocates.
Conversely, disregarding the committee’s findings could create an entirely different public perception. It may reinforce the belief that internal democracy is celebrated in speeches but neglected in practice, providing political opponents with powerful arguments during the campaign season and weakening the party’s moral authority.
Nigerian voters have become increasingly discerning. They no longer evaluate political parties solely by campaign promises but also by their conduct, consistency and respect for due process. Increasingly, the electorate recognizes that a party unable to administer fairness internally may struggle to govern fairly when entrusted with public office.
Political credibility is earned through action, not rhetoric.
If the ADC genuinely seeks to distinguish itself as a principled alternative in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, then this is the moment to demonstrate it. Respecting the outcome of its own review process and ensuring that fairness prevails would strengthen its democratic credentials and reinforce public confidence in its leadership.
The eyes of party members, political observers and the people of Kaduna State are firmly fixed on the National Working Committee.
Its decision will resonate long after the primary election has faded from the headlines. It will either stand as an enduring example of a political party placing principle above expediency or as another reminder that political convenience too often triumphs over democratic values.
The strongest campaign message the ADC can deliver to the people of Kaduna State will not come through campaign rallies, press conferences or political advertisements. It will come through its willingness to uphold fairness, respect due process and honour the genuine outcome of its own internal democratic mechanisms.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the ADC has a rare opportunity to distinguish itself from the political culture it has consistently criticized. Opportunities of this nature are uncommon and once lost they are seldom recovered.
The National Working Committee should, urgently, therefore break its silence on the National Appeal Committee’s report concerning the Kaduna State governorship primary. Whatever decision it reaches must be guided by justice, fairness and fidelity to the party’s constitution. Anything less risks undermining the confidence of party members, diminishing public trust and jeopardizing the party’s electoral prospects in Kaduna State.
If the ADC truly aspires to be recognized as the party of justice, or to salvage any chance of victory in the Kaduna 2027 governorship race, then justice must not only begin at home, but be served now.
