A fresh political controversy is unfolding within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Niger State as pressure mounts on one of its governorship aspirants, Mallam Idris Usman Makanta, popularly known as “Shinkafan Nupe,” to withdraw from the forthcoming primary over his connection to an alleged N3 billion rice supply fraud involving the state government.
The calls followed a petition submitted to the party’s national leadership and screening committee, warning that presenting a candidate facing fraud-related allegations could damage the credibility and electoral chances of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
In the petition dated May 14, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, as well as the party’s governorship screening committee, a coalition within the party argued that the opposition could not afford to field a candidate with what it described as a “tainted public image”.
The petition, signed by Alhaji Yakubu Usman, expressed concern over the emergence of Makanta, who defected to the ADC barely a week ago from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, despite what the group described as his ongoing legal troubles.
“It is deeply troubling that an individual with such a controversial background is being allowed to seek the ticket of our party without proper scrutiny and due diligence,” the petition stated.
The group further alleged that Makanta is currently facing prosecution over accusations of financial misconduct involving approximately N3 billion tied to a rice supply contract with the Niger State Government.
“We have credible reasons to believe that Mallam Idris Usman is being prosecuted by the APC-led government of Niger State over allegations bordering on financial fraud involving about three billion naira,” the petition added.
The coalition also claimed that the aspirant is under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
According to the petitioners, “The future of our party in Niger State depends greatly on the credibility of the candidates we present before the Nigerian people”
“This is therefore a defining moment for the ADC leadership to demonstrate courage, principle, and commitment to the ideals upon which the party was founded.”
Investigations revealed that Makanta was arraigned before a High Court in Minna in October 2025 following a complaint by Niger Foods, a trading company promoted by the Niger State Government, over an alleged breach of contract relating to the supply of rice valued at nearly N3 billion.
The matter, filed under suit number FHC/MN/CS/90/2025 and Motion No. FHC/MN/234/2025, reportedly led to his detention for about one week before he was granted bail in the sum of N100 million pending the hearing of the substantive motion.
A police document identified as Form F, dated November 7, 2025, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, indicated that the defendant, who had earlier been remanded in custody following a court warrant issued on October 30, 2025, was subsequently released on bail by the court.
The controversy intensified after Makanta resigned from the APC on May 4, 2026.
In his resignation letter, the politician cited the “current realities” within the ruling party, saying it no longer provided the political space necessary for him to pursue his aspirations or meet the expectations of his supporters.
Efforts to obtain comments from Mallam Idris Usman Makanta on the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
