APC IN TURMOIL AS GOV ASPIRANT VUNOBOLKI RESIGNS, ALLEGES IMPOSITION
By Zare Baba, Yola
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has been plunged into fresh crisis following the dramatic resignation of frontline governorship aspirant, Chief Mauris Vunobolki, who accused the party of abandoning internal democracy in favour of imposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Vunobolki announced his immediate exit from the party, citing “clear and troubling signs” of manipulation, exclusion, and unfair practices within the APC at both state and national levels.
His resignation, effective April 14, 2026, comes just weeks after he and his supporters across the 21 Local Government Areas defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move he said was based on assurances of equity, fairness, and a level playing field.
Those assurances, he declared, have now been “blatantly eroded.”
At the centre of his protest is the framework for the forthcoming party congresses in the state, which he alleged has been hijacked by “government-favoured aspirants” to advance predetermined ambitions.
He described the process as lacking transparency and inclusiveness, warning that it is being deliberately structured to sideline credible contenders.
Vunobolki also raised alarm over alleged irregular membership registrations, including the use of citizens’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) without consent to inflate figures, particularly in Yola North.
“These actions point to a coordinated effort to manipulate internal processes and predetermine outcomes,” he stated.
Recalling his 2019 political experience, the former APC chieftain said his senatorial ambition was frustrated despite purchasing nomination forms worth ₦20 million and campaigning extensively, only for the process to be altered in favour of incumbents without explanation.
He described the development as a “disturbing pattern now repeating itself in Adamawa State.”
The aspirant warned that the growing reliance on “manipulated consensus” instead of credible primaries signals a dangerous drift from democratic norms.
“As a long-standing participant in Nigeria’s political space, I know when a system begins to tilt toward imposition rather than the will of the people,” he said.
In a move with far-reaching implications, Vunobolki directed his supporters across the 21 LGAs to immediately withdraw their membership from the APC and await further instructions.
Observers say the development could trigger mass defections and reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
Although he did not disclose his next political platform, he hinted that consultations are ongoing and a new direction will soon be announced.
“This decision is necessary to pursue a more credible and democratic platform,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the mandate of the people.
He urged fellow aspirants to stand for transparency and fairness, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without internal democracy.
Vunobolki also appealed to his supporters to remain calm, united, and focused.
“History has shown that being in a ruling party does not guarantee electoral victory where justice and fairness are absent,” he added.
The resignation has already sparked reactions across political circles in Adamawa, with analysts predicting intense realignments in the weeks ahead.
As political tensions rise, attention now turns to Vunobolki’s next move and its potential to redefine the 2027 governorship race in the state.
