Resignation from APC Over Trust Issues
Chief Minister Maurice Bunoborki, the gubernatorial candidate from Asamawa State, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He cited a significant breakdown in trust and accused Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of failing to uphold the principles of impartiality he had once promised.
Press Conference Highlights
Speaking at a press conference in Yola, the state capital, Bunoborki emphasized that he and his supporters, spanning all 21 local government areas, initially joined the APC in good faith after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party on February 23, 2026. His decision was largely influenced by Fintiri’s assurances that the APC would foster transparency and internal democracy, allowing for a fair playing field for all aspirants.
Concerns Over Party Practices
However, Bunoborki expressed deep disappointment with recent developments within the state government and the party, claiming they represent a complete deviation from the terms agreed upon. He highlighted concerns over the governor’s committee tasked with framework development for the ongoing party convention, suggesting that its composition favors potential candidates for specific elective positions.
Accusations of Electoral Manipulation
The former APC leader mentioned alarming evidence of fraudulent membership registrations. He alleged that individuals were coerced into using their National Identification Numbers (NINs) without consent, aimed at artificially inflating the voting population in Yola North to sway the internal party processes ahead of the primaries.
Discrepancies in Primary Processes
Bunoborki also criticized the automatic allocation of tickets to sitting senators without adequate explanation and condemned abrupt changes in the primary election procedures. Initially promised direct primaries, aspirants are now facing a process that undermines the new electoral law’s provisions. Reflecting on his 2019 experience when he purchased nomination papers worth N20 million for the Adamawa Southern senatorial seat, he lamented how the system had been manipulated to favor selected candidates following a rigorous campaign period.
Call for Democratic Integrity
Highlighting the potential for manipulated agreements overshadowing transparent procedures, Bunoborki warned that the ongoing patterns replicate past mistakes, threatening the integrity of party politics in the state. He characterized the current framework as lacking inclusivity and fairness, indicative of an imposition rather than a genuine democratic process.
Next Steps for Supporters
In light of these issues, Bunoborki announced his resignation from the APC, effective April 13, 2026, following extensive discussions with state stakeholders. He urged all constituencies in the 21 local councils of Adamawa State to withdraw their membership from the APC and to stay tuned for further directives. He encouraged all political aspirants who value democratic principles to act decisively, reiterating that political power should derive from the populace’s will, rather than from manipulation.
Affirmation of Values and Leadership
While reaffirming his loyalty and respect for Governor Fintiri, Bunoborki asserted that the political aspirations of the people should never be compromised. He opined that true leadership is divinely sanctioned, and that a functional democracy is contingent upon the adherence to internal democratic mechanisms. He concluded by noting that historical evidence contradicts the notion that affiliation with a ruling party guarantees electoral success, especially when issues of justice and fairness are at stake.
