Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A deepening internal crisis has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State following the resignation of governorship aspirant Maurice Vunobolki, who announced his departure from the ruling party amid allegations of manipulation and plans to impose a preferred candidate ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Vunobolki disclosed his decision during a press conference held in Yola on Tuesday, where he accused party stakeholders of abandoning democratic principles in favour of what he described as a predetermined process designed to sideline genuine aspirants. His exit, alongside a significant number of supporters, marks a notable development in the state’s political landscape and raises concerns about the cohesion of the APC as it prepares for future elections.
According to Vunobolki, his resignation followed what he termed “extensive consultations” with political allies and stakeholders across Adamawa’s 21 local government areas. He said the consultations revealed a growing pattern of internal arrangements that could undermine the credibility of the party’s primary election process.
“I recognised the signs of a system that is tilting toward impositions rather than democratic choices,” he said, adding that there was a “growing likelihood” that party decisions would be made through manipulated consensus rather than through a transparent and competitive process.
The former aspirant further alleged that there were “credible and evidential indications” of irregularities in the party’s membership registration process. Specifically, he claimed that some individuals’ National Identification Numbers (NINs) were used without their consent to inflate membership figures in strategic areas, particularly in Yola North Local Government Area. Such actions, he argued, were aimed at creating an artificial voting advantage for certain interests within the party.
These allegations, if substantiated, could have significant implications for the legitimacy of internal party processes in Adamawa APC. Party primaries in Nigeria often rely heavily on membership registers, and any manipulation of such data can influence delegate selection and voting outcomes.
Vunobolki also made a controversial claim involving the state’s political leadership, accusing Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of failing to uphold assurances of fairness and transparency in the political environment. While Fintiri is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vunobolki suggested that broader political dynamics in the state may have contributed to the situation within the APC.
His remarks point to the complex interplay of political interests in Adamawa, a state that has historically witnessed intense competition between major parties. Observers note that intra-party disputes are not uncommon in Nigeria’s political system, particularly as election cycles approach and ambitions heighten.
In his statement, Vunobolki emphasized that his decision to leave the APC was not taken lightly but was driven by the need to align with a political platform that upholds democratic values. He said his next move would be guided by the principles of transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity.
“In light of these developments and after extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state, I hereby announce my resignation from the All Progressives Congress effective from Monday, 13th April 2026,” he declared.
He also called on his supporters to follow suit, urging them to withdraw their membership from the APC and await further directives. This call could potentially weaken the party’s grassroots structure, depending on the scale of defection and the loyalty of his political base.
Political analysts say the impact of Vunobolki’s departure will depend largely on his influence across the state and his ability to mobilize supporters under a new platform. While it remains unclear which party he may join next, his emphasis on seeking a “credible and democratic platform” suggests that negotiations with other political groups could already be underway.
The APC in Adamawa has yet to issue an official response to Vunobolki’s allegations and resignation. However, party insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity described the development as part of the “usual pre-primary tensions” that often characterize internal party politics.
They argued that disagreements over candidate selection and internal processes are common in large political parties and do not necessarily indicate a systemic breakdown. Nonetheless, they acknowledged that public resignations by high-profile aspirants could affect party unity and public perception.
The crisis in Adamawa mirrors similar developments in other parts of Nigeria, where internal disputes have led to defections and factional divisions within major political parties. Such conflicts often intensify as parties prepare for primaries, with aspirants seeking to secure endorsements and consolidate support.
In some cases, unresolved disputes have led to parallel primaries or prolonged legal battles, which can weaken parties ahead of general elections. Political observers warn that if not addressed promptly, the situation in Adamawa APC could escalate into a broader crisis with electoral consequences.
Vunobolki’s allegations regarding the misuse of NIN data also raise questions about the integrity of political processes and the protection of personal information. While the claims have not been independently verified, they highlight concerns about data security and accountability in political party operations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which oversees elections in Nigeria, has consistently emphasized the importance of credible party primaries as a foundation for free and fair elections. Any irregularities at the party level, experts say, can undermine public confidence in the broader electoral system.
For now, attention remains focused on how the APC leadership in Adamawa will respond to the crisis and whether efforts will be made to address the concerns raised by Vunobolki and other stakeholders. The party’s ability to manage internal dissent and maintain unity will likely play a crucial role in its prospects in the state.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of future elections, developments such as this underscore the challenges facing Nigeria’s party system, where internal democracy and transparency remain key issues. Vunobolki’s resignation adds another layer to the evolving political narrative in Adamawa, with potential implications for both the APC and the broader electoral landscape.
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