ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former House of Representatives member and Adamawa governorship aspirant, Abdulrazak Namdas, alongside other APC aspirants, has rejected any form of candidate imposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting on transparent and competitive primaries within the party.
Namdas, who previously served as House spokesperson and chaired the Committee on Army, submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja, expressing confidence that the party would allow a level playing field for all aspirants.
He said assurances had been given by President Bola Tinubu, the APC national leadership, and state party stakeholders that no candidate would be imposed on members, stressing that internal democracy would be respected.
According to him, political leaders must prepare for open contests rather than rely on consensus arrangements that exclude wider participation.
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“There is no issue of imposition,” he said, adding that aspirants must be allowed to test their popularity through competitive primaries.
Namdas noted that if consensus becomes necessary, it should still reflect collective agreement rather than exclusion, adding that disagreements should naturally lead to open contests.
He expressed confidence that his eight years in the National Assembly had adequately prepared him for executive leadership if given the opportunity.
Also speaking, Zamfara North senatorial aspirant Sani Shinkafi insisted that only direct primaries should be adopted, rejecting consensus arrangements in the state.
Shinkafi argued that representation from the senatorial district had failed to deliver meaningful development, claiming residents were tired of political stagnation and marginalisation.
He maintained that power rotation and competitive elections were necessary to correct what he described as long-standing injustice in the district’s political structure.
He further vowed not to step down for any consensus arrangement, insisting on exercising his rights under the Electoral Act.
Similarly, former senator Ayo Arise declared his intention to return to the Senate to represent Ekiti North, citing renewed calls from constituents.
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Arise highlighted his previous tenure between 2007 and 2011, noting his role in the establishment and expansion of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti as part of his legislative achievements.
He also joined calls for transparent primaries within the APC, warning against any form of imposition in the selection of candidates.
The APC had earlier commenced sales of nomination forms on April 28, with primaries scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.