A group operating under the aegis of the Like Minds Progressive Forum has alleged widespread irregularities in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Jos North-North Plateau State Constituency, calling on the party to declare Hon. Harry Ishaya Markus as its rightful candidate
The group made the demand during a press conference held on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos. The forum’s Secretary, Micheal Iliya, presented the group’s position before journalists.
According to the forum, the APC primary election was characterised by favouritism, manipulation, imposition and a lack of transparency, which it said undermined the principles of internal democracy and the rule of law.
Iliya stated that the official results of the primary, signed by the Chairman of the House of Assembly Primary Election Committee, Kaban Yohanna, showed that Hon. Adamu Aliyu polled 13,066 votes to emerge first, followed by Hon. Harry Ishaya Markus with 1,904 votes. Shehu Bala Usman secured 239 votes, while Abdulkaddir Hassan garnered 182 votes.
The forum, however, argued that despite polling the highest number of votes, Adamu Aliyu was allegedly not cleared by the party before the primary and was therefore ineligible to contest the election.
It maintained that since Harry Ishaya Markus was duly cleared and finished second in the contest, he should, in accordance with the law and the APC’s internal democratic process, automatically emerge as the party’s candidate for the constituency.
The group expressed disappointment that instead of issuing the Certificate of Return to Harry Ishaya Markus, the APC leadership allegedly handed the party’s nomination to Abdulkaddir Hassan, who placed fourth in the primary election.
Describing the action as inconsistent with the APC constitution, the forum said the development has raised serious concerns over the credibility and integrity of the party’s candidate selection process.
The group also cited Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that political parties are not permitted to impose nomination, qualification or disqualification criteria outside the provisions of their constitutions and guidelines governing candidate nominations.
It therefore appealed to the APC leadership at both the state and national levels to urgently review the matter in line with the party’s motto of “Justice, Peace and Unity” by recognising Harry Ishaya Markus as the rightful flag bearer for the Jos North-North State Constituency.
The forum further described Harry Ishaya Markus as a loyal and committed APC member who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the party in Naraguta B Ward, Jos North Local Government Area, and Plateau State.
While reaffirming its commitment to the APC, the Like Minds Progressive Forum warned that it would pursue all lawful means, including legal action, to seek justice if the matter is not addressed.
The press conference statement was jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Rotshak Augustine, and Secretary, Micheal Iliya.
