Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State on Wednesday took to the streets of Yola in protest over what they described as an attempt to replace the party’s governorship candidate, Ambassador Engineer Omar Suleiman, popularly known as Omarana, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The protesters, made up of party supporters, youths and grassroots mobilisers, marched through major roads in the state capital carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs in support of the candidate.
They insisted that Omar Suleiman remained the validly elected flagbearer of the party and should not be substituted under any circumstance.
Several of the placards displayed messages demanding respect for internal democracy and the wishes of party members.
The demonstrators maintained that the governorship ticket belonged to the candidate who emerged through the party’s processes and should not be altered through what they termed backdoor arrangements.
During the protest, the supporters called on the national leadership of the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to closely monitor developments within the party and ensure that democratic procedures are upheld.
They argued that any move capable of overturning the decision of party members could create unnecessary tension and weaken confidence in the party’s internal structures.
According to the protesters, the demonstration was peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to concerns among members across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The group said it would continue to pursue lawful means to defend what it described as the collective mandate given to Omar Suleiman by party members.
Some of the demonstrators also urged the national leadership of the ADC to act swiftly and provide clarity on the issue in order to prevent further controversy.
Recall, earlier this month, supporters of Omar Suleiman had raised concerns over reports suggesting that businessman Abdulrahman Haske was being considered as a replacement for the ADC governorship candidate.
The reports met strong reactions from groups loyal to Omarana, who argued that the party must respect the outcome of its internal processes.
A coalition of supporters under the Team Omarana Ambassadors Movement had publicly opposed any alleged move to replace the candidate.
The group maintained that Omar Suleiman emerged through the party structure and remained the preferred choice of members across the state.
However, there have been repeated assurances from ADC stakeholders that no official decision had been taken to remove or replace the governorship candidate.
In another development, the Adamawa chapter of the ADC recently dismissed rumours that Omar Suleiman had either withdrawn from the race or agreed to step down for another aspirant.
ADC Party leaders described such claims as false and urged supporters to ignore what they called politically motivated misinformation.
Omar Suleiman himself has consistently insisted that he remains committed to the race.
“I remain fully committed to my campaign, my vision, and my unwavering determination to serve the people of Adamawa State,” he said while reacting to reports suggesting he had abandoned his governorship ambition.
The former ambassador has also repeatedly called on party members to remain united despite internal disagreements.
“There is absolutely no reason for panic,” he stated during a separate address to supporters, urging members across the state to stay focused on the party’s objectives.
In recent weeks, Omar Suleiman has intensified consultations and political engagements across Adamawa. He has used several public appearances to outline his plans for agriculture, security, youth empowerment and infrastructure development if elected governor in 2027.
The governorship hopeful recently said Adamawa’s vast agricultural potential could be harnessed to boost economic growth and improve livelihoods across rural communities. He also pledged to strengthen security and expand opportunities for young people.
