As the contest over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Nasarawa State heats up, a support group in the party has alleged large-scale compromise and intimidation of party officials in the State, putting their ability to conduct free and fair primaries under question.

Following the adoption of Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred candidate by Governor Abdullahi Sule stakeholders are showing increasing concern about the credibility of the electoral process and the ability to guarantee other contenders a level playing ground.

The latest concern was raised by the Nasarawa APC Integrity Forum, which called for the deployment of external officials to conduct the party’s primaries, arguing that state party officials lack the moral standing and courage to oversee a credible exercise.

In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja and signed by its Coordinator, Zamani Daniel, and Secretary, Ibrahim Tukur, the group alleged that Governor Abdullahi Sule has placed party officials at the state, local government, and ward levels under intense pressure to avoid opposing his position on the governorship race.

According to the forum, there are claims that ward-level officials may be used to validate prearranged results ahead of the exercise.

It further alleged that Senator Ahmed Wadada and Governor Sule are holding clandestine meetings and boasting of purported instructions from President Bola Tinubu and businessman Gilbert Chagoury to secure Wadada’s emergence at all costs.

The group insisted that, given the current political climate and alleged pressure on officials, state party executives lack the neutrality and moral authority required to conduct a free, fair, and credible primary election.

“We know Mr President to be a true democrat and a believer in upholding the wishes of the majority. We are alarmed that the primary election is already being compromised before it is conducted. We call on Mr President, our national chairman, and all men of conscience to rise against this aberration,” the statement read.

“Democracy is a game of numbers. Anyone who thinks he is popular should test his strength before the people. Let the people of Nasarawa and party members freely choose who is best for them. With direct primaries now adopted by stakeholders, aspirants should engage voters rather than attempt to predetermine outcomes,” the group added.