The Social Democratic Party, SDP, candidate for Doma North Constituency of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Tala Safiyanu, has alleged a plot to replace him with another person ahead of the election.
Mr Safiyanu, in a statement, said he received information about a purported substitution primary election allegedly conducted in Lafia, Nasarawa State, with the aim of replacing him as the party’s candidate.
He said he had neither withdrawn his candidature nor authorised, consented to or participated in any process to withdraw or substitute his name.
“I have not withdrawn my candidature, nor have I authorised, consented to, or participated in any process for the withdrawal or substitution of my candidature,” he said.
The candidate also said he had not executed or personally delivered any notice of withdrawal, accompanied by a sworn affidavit, to the SDP.
“I have further not executed or personally delivered to the Social Democratic Party any notice of withdrawal accompanied by a sworn affidavit for the purpose of withdrawing my candidature,” he said.
Mr Safiyanu said he was therefore concerned by reports that a substitution primary election may have been conducted or purportedly conducted in Lafia to produce another candidate for the constituency.
He cited Sections 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which he said prescribe procedures for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
According to him, Section 31 requires a candidate seeking to withdraw to submit a written notice signed by the candidate, accompanied by a sworn affidavit and personally delivered to the political party.
He said Section 33 provides that a political party cannot change or substitute a candidate whose name has already been submitted, except in circumstances provided by law, including the death or withdrawal of the candidate.
“In my case, neither death nor voluntary withdrawal applies. I remain alive, active and fully committed to my candidature and to the Social Democratic Party,” Mr Safiyanu said.
“I have neither withdrawn from the race nor given consent for anyone to withdraw or substitute my candidature on my behalf.”
He warned that any attempt to withdraw or substitute his candidature outside the provisions of the Electoral Act would be challenged in court.
“Any attempt by anyone to substitute or withdraw my candidature contrary to the provisions of Sections 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026 will be legally resisted to the highest level as allowed by the judicial system,” he said.
Mr Safiyanu said Nasarawa State had a good chance of electing SDP candidates, describing the alleged development as an unnecessary distraction.
He also expressed surprise over the alleged attempt, referring to former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, whom he said left the All Progressives Congress, APC, over alleged injustice.
“I am surprised that Ex-IGP Adamu, who left the APC over injustice, is trying to do the same in the SDP,” he said.
