Nigeria: INEC List - Jigawa ADC Candidate Fumes Over Running Mate Replacement

What the report says

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission has released its final list of governorship candidates for Jigawa State, including Governor Umar Namadi of the APC and 11 other contenders, according to Premium Times via AllAfrica. The list was published on Saturday, and the document places the state’s race on a formal footing ahead of the election cycle.

The report also highlights a dispute inside the African Democratic Congress, where candidate Sabo Nakudu is said to be challenging the appearance of Nasiru Kaugama as his running mate on INEC’s official list. Nakudu had reportedly submitted Aminu Ibrahim’s name to the commission, prompting confusion and anger among his supporters when a different name appeared instead.

Premium Times reported that the substitution has deepened internal tensions within the ADC in Jigawa, with members trading accusations over who was responsible. One account suggests the change may be linked to party efforts to balance rival factions after a contested primary. The dispute matters because it comes at a critical stage of campaigning and underscores how candidate selection conflicts can weaken opposition parties and complicate preparations for the election.

The article said the party has faced an earlier primary fight between Nakudu, a former APC member, and Adamu Jumbo, who challenged the process and alleged irregularities. The running-mate controversy now adds another layer to the party’s unresolved internal crisis.