The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from what it described as “false, mischievous and unauthorised” statements issued in its name regarding the recent inauguration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai into the party.
The opposition party said both a controversial publication credited to its Publicity Secretary and a press conference organized by a group of purported stakeholders were aimed at creating disunity and confusion within its ranks.
In a statement signed by the State Secretary of the party, Victor Oluwatuyi, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Saturday, the ADC leadership insisted that the Kaduna chapter remained united and committed to building strong grassroots structures across the 23 local government areas of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, the first development was a publication allegedly issued by the State Publicity Secretary which described El-Rufai’s official inauguration into the ADC as “fraudulent.”
The second was a press briefing on August 30, 2025, by a faction led by Hon. Adamu Dattijo, who introduced themselves as “concerned stakeholders.” The group accused El-Rufai and some political figures of attempting to hijack the party.
The State Secretary, however, dismissed both incidents as “false, unauthorized and malicious.”
“The publication by the Publicity Secretary was purely his personal opinion and not that of the State Working Committee (SWC) or the State Executive Committee (SEC). At no time did the leadership of ADC in Kaduna State authorize such a statement,” Oluwatuyi said.
He explained that he personally attended El-Rufai’s inauguration event in company with the State Organizing Secretary, adding that the State Chairman had also indicated his intention to be present.
“It is therefore false, misleading, and malicious to describe the event as fraudulent,” he added .
In the press conference addressed by Hon. Adamu Dattijo’s group, the ADC secretary, accused the faction of spreading “reckless and mischievous allegations” against respected leaders of the party.
“Their allegations that Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, Hon. Ja’afaru Sani, and others working to divide the ADC are unfounded and a desperate attempt to create confusion. These individuals have no mandate to speak on behalf of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter,” the statement added.
The party leadership vowed to sanction those behind the unauthorized statements and warned against impersonation of party officials.
“The ADC Kaduna State Chapter will not tolerate impersonation, indiscipline, or any attempt to undermine the unity of our party. Those involved in issuing unauthorized statements and organizing fake press conferences risk facing disciplinary action in line with the constitution of our great party,” Oluwatuyi said.
He further appealed to members, coalition partners, and the general public to disregard both the controversial publication and the press conference, insisting that the authentic leadership of the party remained intact.
The ADC leadership also called on the national headquarters of the party to take note of the recent developments and support the Kaduna chapter in protecting its integrity.
“The authentic leadership of ADC Kaduna State remains intact, united, and committed to strengthening our grassroots structures across the 23 Local Governments, ensuring peace, unity, and the success of our party as we march toward 2027.
“The ADC belongs to all its members, not to a few individuals with selfish agendas. We urge the national leadership to take note of these developments and join hands with us to protect the integrity of our party,” the statement read.
The party warned that anyone caught impersonating or misrepresenting its leadership would not only face internal sanctions but could also be reported to law enforcement agencies.
The statement added:”Be warned: anyone caught impersonating or misrepresenting the leadership of ADC Kaduna State will be reported to the appropriate authorities and sanctioned according to the laws of the land and the constitution of our party.”
