Fresh controversy has continued to trail the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for Demsa, Numan and Lamurde Federal Constituency, following a strongly worded response by one of the aspirants, Usoko Ken Supule, to remarks made by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Governor Fintiri had reportedly described some aggrieved aspirants challenging the outcome of the primary election as “inexperienced politicians,” a statement that has since attracted reactions from party stakeholders and supporters across the constituency.
Reacting in an open letter circulated to journalists, Supule questioned the state of internal democracy within the APC and urged the governor to protect the democratic values that once allowed young and emerging politicians to contest fairly within the party structure.
The aspirant reminded Governor Fintiri of his own political journey, noting that every established political figure was once a first-time aspirant who depended on credible democratic processes to rise.
“You were once a first-time aspirant,” Supule stated, arguing that fairness and transparency should never be sacrificed for political convenience.
He warned that any attempt to replace democratic elections with what he termed “selection and imposition” could weaken public trust in the political system and discourage young people from participating in politics.
According to Supule, political leaders must recognise that the standards they establish today would shape the future of democratic practice within the party and the country at large.
“The process we normalize today becomes the standard our children will inherit,” he said.
The aspirant further maintained that Governor Fintiri had benefitted from a political environment built on credible participation and now had a responsibility to defend that legacy rather than undermine it.
Supule also referenced the lingering controversy surrounding the APC primary election in Demsa, Numan and Lamurde Federal Constituency, insisting that history would ultimately judge those who stood for justice, fairness and due process.
“I believe you want to be remembered as the leader who strengthened the APC, not the one who weakened it from within,” he added.
While expressing disappointment over the conduct of the primary election, Supule reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and peaceful political engagement, calling on party leaders to create a level playing field for all aspirants regardless of political influence or personal connections.
The APC primary election in the constituency has continued to generate public debate amid allegations of irregularities and claims by some party members that the exercise did not reflect the genuine wishes of party members.