The growing calls followed a petition submitted to the party’s national leadership and governorship screening committee, warning that presenting a candidate facing fraud-related allegations could seriously damage the party’s credibility and weaken its chances in the 2027 governorship election.

In the petition dated May 14, 2026, and addressed to ADC National Chairman David Mark, along with the party’s screening committee, a coalition within the party argued that the opposition cannot afford to field a candidate with what it described as a “tainted public image.”

The petition, signed by Alhaji Yakubu Usman, raised concerns over Makanta’s emergence in the race just days after defecting from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite what the group described as unresolved legal troubles.

“It is deeply troubling that an individual with such a controversial background is being allowed to seek the ticket of our party without proper scrutiny and due diligence,” the petition stated.

The coalition further alleged that Makanta is currently facing prosecution over claims of financial misconduct involving about N3 billion connected to a rice supply contract with the Niger State Government.

According to the petitioners, there are credible reasons to believe that Makanta is being prosecuted by the APC-led Niger State Government over allegations bordering on financial fraud tied to the contract.

The group also claimed that the aspirant is under investigation by both the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The future of our party in Niger State depends greatly on the credibility of the candidates we present before the Nigerian people,” the petition added.

It further described the situation as a defining moment for the ADC leadership to demonstrate courage, principle, and commitment to the ideals upon which the party was founded.

Findings indicate that Makanta was arraigned before a High Court in Minna in October 2025 following a complaint by Niger Foods, a state-promoted trading company, over an alleged contract breach involving the supply of rice valued at nearly N3 billion.

The case, filed under suit number FHC/MN/CS/90/2025 and Motion No. FHC/MN/234/2025, reportedly led to his detention for about one week before he was granted bail in the sum of N100 million pending further hearing.

A police document identified as Form F, dated November 7, 2025, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, indicated that Makanta, who had earlier been remanded following a court warrant issued on October 30, 2025, was later released on bail by the court.

The controversy intensified shortly after Makanta resigned from the APC on May 4, 2026.

In his resignation letter, he cited the “current realities” within the ruling party, saying it no longer offered the political environment necessary for him to pursue his ambitions or meet the expectations of his supporters.

Efforts to get a response from Mallam Idris Usman Makanta regarding the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.