KDA Rejects Alleged Imposition of APC Candidate for Kaiama/Baruten Reps Seat, Demands Fresh Primary

The Kaiama Development Association (KDA) has rejected the alleged emergence of Hon. Saidu Baba Ahmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Kaiama/Baruten Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the process as an imposition that lacks the support of the people.

In a press statement jointly signed by KDA President, Alhaji Yakubu Salihu, Secretary-General, Alhaji Aminu Mohammed Umar, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Hussein Yahaya, the association said it was speaking on behalf of stakeholders, youths, women, and community leaders across Kaiama Local Government Area.

The association claimed the announcement of Ahmed’s candidature was made without consultation with ward leaders, traditional institutions, youth and women groups, as well as development associations in both Kaiama and Baruten local government areas.

“KDA does not recognize the process, and we do not accept the outcome,” the statement declared.

Giving reasons for its position, the association alleged that the APC failed to carry out grassroots consultations and violated the principles of internal democracy by allegedly bypassing an open primary process.

The group also criticised Ahmed’s legislative record, alleging that he had made no significant contributions through bills or motions since becoming a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly in 2019, and questioned his capacity to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.

The KDA therefore called on the APC national and Kwara State leadership to immediately nullify what it described as the imposition of Ahmed, conduct a free, fair and transparent primary election for all aspirants, and engage traditional rulers, elders, youths, women and development associations before taking any decision on the party’s candidate.

The association further warned that it would explore all lawful political and civic means to oppose the alleged imposition.

It maintained that any representative not freely chosen by the people of Kaiama and Baruten would lack legitimacy, insisting that the era of imposing candidates was over.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace, the KDA stressed that lasting peace must be built on justice, fairness and respect for democratic principles.