Amaechi rejects ADC presidential primary result, alleging irregularities and voter exclusion, insisting process lacked transparency and fairness in primaries
Former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has rejected the outcome of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, citing allegations of irregularities, exclusion of voters, and a lack of transparency in the entire process.
The development has sparked fresh debate within the party over the credibility of its internal democratic system.
Amaechi stated that his position on the matter was consistent with an earlier declaration he made before the primary election.
According to him, he had clearly stated that he would only accept the outcome if the exercise was conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
He maintained that the conduct of the exercise fell short of those expectations, making it impossible for him to accept the announced result.
He further alleged that the credibility of the election was compromised by the inability of a large number of party members to participate in the voting process.
Amaechi insisted that this exclusion raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the exercise.
He argued that it is unacceptable for a political process to be declared credible when, in his view, a significant percentage of eligible voters were denied their rights.
Amaechi also emphasized that internal democracy remains a critical pillar for any political party that seeks public trust.
He warned that political organisations must not engage in the same practices they often criticise in the ruling party or electoral bodies.
He stressed that credibility cannot be selectively applied depending on political advantage, adding that consistency in democratic conduct is essential for national political development.
In his reaction, Amaechi questioned the integrity of the entire process, pointing out what he described as widespread voter disenfranchisement.
He claimed that about eighty per cent of party members were unable to participate in the voting exercise, a situation he said undermines the legitimacy of the outcome.
According to him, such a scenario makes it difficult to accept any declared winner as a true reflection of the will of party members.
Amaechi maintained that political parties must serve as models of democratic practice if they intend to criticise electoral malpractice in public institutions.
He argued that condemning vote buying, rigging, and manipulation while allegedly engaging in similar conduct internally weakens the moral authority of such criticisms.
Amaechi further reiterated that the outcome of the primary election does not reflect the genuine choice of the majority of party members.
He insisted that the process was flawed from the outset due to procedural shortcomings and alleged manipulation.
He called for greater adherence to due process, transparency, and fairness in future party exercises to restore confidence among members.
The former minister concluded that unless corrective measures are taken, internal disputes of this nature may continue to affect the unity and credibility of the party.
He stressed that the strength of any political organisation lies in its ability to conduct elections that are both inclusive and transparent, ensuring that every member’s voice is properly represented in the final outcome.
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