Gombe APC Primaries: Attajiri Rejects Results, Claims No Election in Balanga/Billiri

Gombe APC Primaries: Attajiri Rejects Results, Claims No Election in Balanga/Billiri

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Alfred John Attajiri, has rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election for Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency in Gombe State, alleging that no election was conducted before results were announced.

Mr Attajiri, in a statement issued on Saturday, described the declaration of results as “a direct assault on democracy”, insisting that party members across the constituency were denied a credible electoral process.

The APC chieftain accused a former Gombe State commissioner, Hon. Mohammed Sa’idu Yila Fawu, of announcing results for what he termed a non-existent exercise.

According to him, videos, photographs and eyewitness accounts from various wards in Balanga and Billiri indicated that no valid primary election took place.

“It is deeply disturbing that results were announced for a process that never held across our constituency,” he said.

Mr Attajiri warned that such actions could damage the credibility of the APC and weaken public confidence in democratic processes if left unchecked.

“We are all loyal members of the APC and have remained committed to the growth and success of the party. However, when injustice is allowed to thrive openly within the system, Nigerians will naturally begin to question the integrity of future elections,” he stated.

He said residents and party supporters in Balanga/Billiri were disappointed by the development, noting that democracy should not be reduced to the announcement of predetermined results.

The aspirant called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, to intervene in the matter to restore confidence in the party.

He maintained that silence over the controversy could encourage impunity and alienate party loyalists who believe in fairness and due process.

Mr Attajiri, however, urged his supporters and residents of the constituency to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite the tension generated by the disputed primary.

“Our struggle is for justice, not violence. We remain confident that truth will prevail and that the voices of the people cannot be permanently silenced,” he added.

The controversy surrounding the APC primaries in Balanga/Billiri comes amid heightened political activities in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with internal party contests already exposing cracks among aspirants and stakeholders.