ADC Fires Back at Critics, Insists Katsina Primaries Were Transparent Amid Growing Internal Dispute

African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State has strongly defended the conduct of its recent primary elections, rejecting allegations of manipulation and insisting that the exercise was transparent, credible and in line with democratic principles.

The party’s state chairman and national leader, Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, made the clarification while speaking in an interview with JBC Hausa, amid growing concerns and complaints from some aspirants over the outcome of the primaries.

Batagarawa said the dissatisfaction expressed by some contestants was not unusual in political contests, stressing that every election inevitably produces winners and losers. According to him, candidates who fail to secure victory often react with disappointment, a situation that can sometimes trigger allegations of irregularities or unfair practices.

He maintained that the ADC's primary elections in Katsina State were conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, dismissing claims that the process was manipulated to favour any individual or group.

The party leader emphasized that the allegations being circulated against the exercise were unfounded and did not reflect the reality of how the primaries were conducted.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by aggrieved aspirants, Batagarawa said the party leadership remained committed to preserving unity within its ranks. He disclosed that reconciliation efforts were already underway to engage dissatisfied members and address their grievances.

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According to him, the ADC leadership will continue consultations and peace-building initiatives aimed at strengthening cohesion ahead of future political engagements.

“As politicians, we will not relent in our efforts to reconcile and pacify those who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries,” he stated.

Reaffirming the party's position, Batagarawa insisted that the Katsina primaries met the standards of transparency and fairness expected of a democratic process, adding that the party would remain focused on fostering unity and moving forward despite the controversy generated by the election outcome.

He reiterated that the ADC would continue to engage aggrieved members in a bid to ensure that internal disagreements do not undermine the party’s collective objectives in the state.