Political tension is building in Adamawa State as a coalition of ethnic leaders under the Gongola Peoples group has warned the All Progressives Congress against imposing a governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election, saying such a move could create division within the party and affect its chances at the polls.
The warning was issued during a media briefing where the elders expressed concern over what they described as attempts to influence the emergence of a candidate outside a proper democratic process. The group said party members must be allowed to choose their flagbearer through an open and fair primary rather than decisions being made by a few powerful figures.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Markus Gundiri said the people of the state would resist any move that sidelines party members in the selection process. According to the group, the governorship race should be decided through internal democracy and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
The elders said any attempt to force a candidate on the party could trigger discontent among members and deepen cracks within the APC in Adamawa. They warned that internal disagreements caused by imposition could weaken the party before the general election.
The coalition also said the growing debate over succession in the state should be handled with caution to avoid political tension. While maintaining support for the federal government, the group made it clear that such backing should not be interpreted as approval for any attempt to control the governorship ticket at the state level.
According to the leaders, the party must protect its internal process and avoid actions that may create distrust among members. They said all aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity in a transparent contest without interference.
The group noted that the strength of the party in the next election may depend on how fairly it handles the primaries. It warned that ignoring party members and stakeholders in the choice of candidate could lead to resistance and affect unity within the APC.
The elders also urged party leaders at both state and national levels to respect democratic principles and avoid actions capable of causing unrest. They said consultation, fairness and broad participation should guide the process as preparations for 2027 gather pace.
Their intervention comes amid growing political activity across the country as parties begin positioning ahead of the next election cycle. In Adamawa, the warning has added to early debates over succession politics and the future direction of the ruling party.
Observers say the position taken by the coalition may increase pressure on party leaders to ensure the governorship race is handled through a process seen as open and credible, as concerns over internal unity continue to shape early political calculations in the state.