By Osisam Ede
Engr. Markus Gundiri, Chairman, Council of Elders of Gongola People of Adamawa State has warned to resist sinister attempt in All Progressives Congress (APC) party to impose candidates in coming 2027 general election at the State level and threatens spontaneous actions describing it as undemocratic.
Engr. Gundiri made the threat recently during a World Press Conference in Abuja warning all stakeholders in APC especially at the State level to immediately desist from the dangerous path of imposition of candidates and uphold sacred principles of internal democracy.
Leading eminent personalities of Gongola Peoples in Adamawa State in addressing the Media, Gundiri enunciated the position of the people whom he said determine outcome of elections in the State saying that, “We wish to Stat unequivocally our firm and uncompromising position against the ongoing sinister attempt by some elements within the All Progressive Congress to impose a preferred candidate on the people of Adamawa State for 2027 governorship election.
He said, “We stand united as ethnic nationalities and declare without hesitation that we will not accept, tolerate or allow any form of imposition on our people. Such undemocratic and dictatorial tendencies represent a clear affront to internal party democracy and dangerous slide towards political authoritarianism”, and warned that coalition of ethnic nationalities in Adamawa State is ready to resist this imposition with every legitimate means available.
According to Engr. Gundiri, “While we, as ethnic nationalities, support the return of the President and the consolidation of progressive governance at the national level, this support does not and will never extend to the imposition of any candidate at the State level in Adamawa.
“We make this position very clear: we will not accept any candidate imposed on us by a small clique. Never again shall the destiny of our people be determined behind closed doors while the collective will of party members and the broader populace is sidelined”, he stated.
Continuing the group requests, “We therefore demand a transparent, free, and credible process within the APC. All aspirants must be given a genuine level playing field. Whoever eventually emerges as the candidate must do so because the party members and delegates have freely and democratically chosen him in open primaries and not because a powerful few have imposed him upon us”.
“Imposition only breeds resentment, weakens the party, and ultimately guarantees defeat at the general elections. We demand democracy, not dictation.
“We warn that any attempt to ignore the voices of the indigenous ethnic nationalities and the broader party membership in Adamawa State will be met with unified and resolute resistance. We remain committed to justice, equity, fairness, and the genuine empowerment of our people.
“We call on all stakeholders in the APC, especially the national and state leadership, to immediately desist from this dangerous path and uphold the sacred principles of internal democracy. The eyes of the people are watching”. They concluded.
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