Kebbi ADC to conduct fresh primaries for Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency

In Kebbi State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced that it will honour a Federal High Court directive to organise fresh primaries for the parliamentary seat covering the Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency. The decision, communicated by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Haruna Haruna Maijega, underscores the ADC’s commitment to judicial compliance and internal democratic processes at a time when political parties across Nigeria are under increasing scrutiny to uphold transparency and fairness in candidate selection.

Judicial directive and party response

The Federal High Court’s ruling, as referenced by Maijega, mandated that the ADC conduct a new election process within a fourteen‑day window. While the court’s full judgment was not disclosed in the public statement, the directive clearly requires the party to reset its primary exercise for the Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency, a seat that has attracted keen interest from local politicians and community leaders.

Haruna Haruna Maijega confirmed that the state chapter promptly forwarded the judgment to the ADC’s national leadership. In doing so, the party signalled a willingness to respect the judiciary’s authority and to align its internal mechanisms with the rule of law. This approach reflects a broader trend among Nigerian parties to seek legitimacy through adherence to court orders, especially after several high‑profile disputes over primary outcomes in recent election cycles.

Timeline for the fresh primaries

The ADC’s national leadership, acting on the court’s fourteen‑day deadline, scheduled direct primaries for Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The choice of a direct primary format—where all registered party members in the constituency can vote—aims to provide a transparent and inclusive platform for candidate selection. By setting a specific date, the party demonstrates organisational capacity to mobilise its structures quickly, a factor that may influence voter confidence ahead of the general election.

According to Maijega, the primaries will be conducted across the thirty‑five wards that make up the Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency. This ward‑by‑ward approach ensures that the exercise reaches the grassroots level, allowing local dynamics and community preferences to shape the outcome. The logistics of coordinating voting in thirty‑five distinct locations within a single day present a substantial operational challenge, but also an opportunity for the ADC to showcase its organisational strength.

Stakeholder notification and engagement

In preparation for the upcoming primaries, the ADC has undertaken a comprehensive notification campaign. Maijega indicated that candidates, local government officials, party supporters and other relevant stakeholders have been informed of the scheduled exercise. This broad outreach is intended to guarantee that all interested parties are aware of the timeline, venue and procedural rules governing the fresh primaries.

The emphasis on stakeholder communication reflects an understanding that legitimacy in primary elections hinges not only on the act of voting but also on the perception that the process is open, well‑publicised and accessible. By reaching out to local government officials, the ADC seeks to secure the cooperation of administrative structures that will be essential for the smooth conduct of the polls in each ward.

Commitment to fairness and equal opportunity

Maijega stressed that the ADC will ensure the primaries are conducted fairly, with all eligible candidates enjoying equal opportunities to participate. This pledge aligns with the party’s broader narrative of upholding democratic principles within its internal affairs. While the statement does not enumerate specific safeguards—such as independent observers or verification mechanisms—the public commitment to fairness serves as a reassurance to party members and the electorate at large.

Ensuring equal opportunity is particularly salient in a constituency that spans diverse localities, each with its own political dynamics. By foregrounding fairness, the ADC positions itself as a party that respects the competitive nature of democratic contests, thereby potentially enhancing its credibility in the eyes of voters who may be wary of back‑room deals or favoritism.

Implications for the Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency

The fresh primaries will reshape the political landscape of the Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Candidates who had previously secured nominations may now face renewed competition, while new aspirants could emerge, altering the balance of power among local political elites. The outcome of the primaries will likely influence campaign strategies, voter mobilisation efforts and the allocation of party resources in the run‑up to the general election.

Moreover, the ADC’s compliance with the court order may set a precedent for how other parties in the region handle similar judicial interventions. Observers will watch closely to see whether the primaries proceed without incident, as any disputes or allegations of irregularities could reignite legal challenges and further complicate the electoral timetable.

Broader context: party politics and judicial oversight in Nigeria

The ADC’s situation in Kebbi reflects a wider pattern across Nigeria where courts have become pivotal arbiters of internal party disputes. In recent years, several parties have been compelled to rerun primaries or adjust candidate lists following legal challenges. This judicial oversight underscores the importance of robust internal democratic mechanisms within parties, as failure to adhere to procedural fairness can result in costly legal interventions and damage to party reputation.

For the ADC, adhering to the High Court’s directive not only averts potential sanctions but also reinforces its image as a party that respects the rule of law. In a political environment where public trust in institutions is often fragile, such demonstrations of compliance can be instrumental in building long‑term credibility among the electorate.

Looking ahead: what to watch for

As the 14 October 2026 primaries approach, several factors will be critical to monitor. First, the logistical execution across thirty‑five wards will test the party’s capacity to manage simultaneous voting processes. Second, the level of participation by candidates and party members will indicate the degree of engagement and confidence in the ADC’s internal democracy. Third, any reports of irregularities or disputes will likely attract media attention and could prompt further judicial scrutiny.

Finally, the results of the fresh primaries will set the stage for the ADC’s campaign in the Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza constituency during the general election. A smoothly conducted primary, perceived as fair and inclusive, could energise the party’s grassroots base and enhance its competitiveness against rival parties. Conversely, a contentious or poorly managed exercise could undermine its standing and provide ammunition to opponents.

In sum, the ADC’s response to the Federal High Court ruling illustrates a pivotal moment for party politics in Kebbi State. By committing to a transparent, timely and inclusive primary process, the party not only complies with legal obligations but also seeks to strengthen its democratic credentials ahead of a crucial parliamentary contest.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Daily Post Nigeria; dailypost.ng; Global1.News (09 October 2026).

By Sarah Okafor, Staff Writer