By TALATU MAIWADA

The Coalition of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Youth and Women Support Groups in Adamawa has given the National Working Committee (NWC) 48 hours to reinstate Mr Omar Suleiman as the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa.

Mr Mohammed Alli, spokesperson of the coalition, issued the ultimatum at a press briefing on Thursday in Yola.

Alli said the coalition was concerned over alleged moves to replace Suleiman as the ADC governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

He described Suleiman as the “mandate of the people of Adamawa ADC ”, saying he enjoyed wide acceptance by the party’s delegates across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

“We respectfully give a 48-hour ultimatum for the reinstatement of Mr Omar Suleiman as the ADC governorship candidate.

“We also call on those behind the attempt to replace him to apologise to the party faithful in Adamawa,” he said.

According to him, Suleiman has built political structures, mobilised supporters and given hope to party members, candidates and the electorate.

“Removing him at this critical time will have serious consequences for the ADC in Adamawa,” Alli said.

He said replacing Suleiman could cause disaffection, division and possible mass defection among ADC members and candidates across the state.

Alli expressed concern that the development could negatively affect the party’s National Assembly, State Assembly and local government candidates.

He said grassroots stakeholders overwhelmingly identified with Suleiman as the party’s governorship candidate.

According to him, supporters across ethnic and religious groups in Adamawa have demonstrated commitment to Suleiman and the ADC.

The spokesperson appealed to the NWC, led by Sen. David Mark, to immediately reinstate Suleiman as the party’s governorship candidate.

He urged the committee to disregard any attempt to substitute Suleiman’s name with another aspirant who allegedly lost the governorship primary.

Alli urged the NWC to protect the unity of the ADC in Adamawa by respecting what he described as “the people’s mandate.”

He said the coalition believed that the ADC stood for internal democracy, justice and respect for the will of the people.

Alli expressed optimism that reinstating Suleiman would strengthen the party and enhance its chances of victory in the 2027 election. (NAN)