Hundreds of members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, over what they described as attempts to replace the party's governorship candidate, Ambassador Engineer Omar Suleiman, popularly known as Omarana, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The demonstrators, comprising party supporters, youths and grassroots mobilisers, marched through major roads in Yola carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs in support of Omar Suleiman.
The protesters insisted that Omar Suleiman remains the duly elected governorship candidate of the party and should not be substituted under any circumstances.
Several placards displayed during the protest called for respect for internal democracy and the decisions reached through the party's established processes.
The demonstrators maintained that the ADC governorship ticket belongs to the candidate who emerged through the party's internal procedures and warned against what they described as attempts to alter the outcome through "backdoor arrangements."
They also called on the national leadership of the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to closely monitor developments within the party and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.
According to the protesters, any attempt to overturn the wishes of party members could create unnecessary tension and undermine confidence in the party's internal structures.
The group stressed that the demonstration was peaceful and intended to draw attention to concerns shared by party members across Adamawa's 21 local government areas.
They vowed to continue pursuing lawful means to defend what they described as the mandate freely given to Omar Suleiman by ADC members.
The protesters further urged the party's national leadership to address the issue promptly and provide clarity to prevent further controversy.
The protest follows reports earlier this month suggesting that businessman Abdulrahman Haske was being considered as a possible replacement for Omar Suleiman as the party's governorship candidate.
The reports sparked strong opposition from groups loyal to Omarana, who insisted that the party must respect the outcome of its internal processes.
A coalition known as the Team Omarana Ambassadors Movement also rejected any alleged move to replace the candidate, maintaining that Omar Suleiman remains the preferred choice of party members across the state.
Despite the speculation, ADC stakeholders have repeatedly stated that no official decision has been taken to remove or replace the governorship candidate.
The Adamawa chapter of the party also recently dismissed reports claiming that Omar Suleiman had withdrawn from the race or agreed to step down for another aspirant.
Party leaders described the reports as false and urged supporters to disregard what they called politically motivated misinformation.
Reacting to the rumours, Omar Suleiman reaffirmed his commitment to the 2027 governorship race.
"I remain fully committed to my campaign, my vision, and my unwavering determination to serve the people of Adamawa State," he said.
The former ambassador also appealed for unity among party members, urging supporters to remain calm despite the ongoing controversy.
"There is absolutely no reason for panic," he said during a separate address, encouraging members across the state to remain focused on the party's objectives.
In recent weeks, Omar Suleiman has intensified political consultations and engagements across Adamawa, outlining his vision for agriculture, security, youth empowerment and infrastructure development if elected governor in 2027.
He has also pledged to harness the state's agricultural potential to drive economic growth, improve rural livelihoods, strengthen security and create more opportunities for young people.