The African Democratic Congress in Kaduna State has been thrown into crisis following allegations by some concerned members, coalition partners and stakeholders that a former governor of the state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is attempting to hijack the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the aggrieved members, under the aegis of “Concerned ADC Members, Coalition Partners and Stakeholders from the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State,” accused El-Rufai of sidelining the duly elected state executive committee and running the ADC “like a one-man show.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Adamu Dattijo said the former governor, alongside two of his allies — Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu had abandoned collective leadership and consultation, choosing instead to impose decisions on the party.
According to him, El-Rufai’s approach to party politics was already creating deep divisions within the ADC.
He warned that if the national leadership of the party failed to intervene, the development could sabotage the ADC’s chances in the forthcoming elections.
He said, “Instead of promoting inclusion and coalition building, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has chosen the path of arrogance and imposition.
“He has refused to recognize or acknowledge the duly elected Kaduna State ADC Executive Committee and other respected stakeholders. He runs a one-man show, taking decisions without consultation and holding meetings only with his personal loyalists, particularly SDP remnants, while sidelining authentic ADC structures across the 23 local governments of Kaduna State. This is not only disrespectful, but destructive.”
The group further alleged that El-Rufai and his associates were perfecting plans to inaugurate what they described as a “fraudulent coalition transition” in the state. They insisted that such an exercise was illegitimate and “dead on arrival” since it did not involve the recognized party leadership.
“The so-called inauguration they are planning is another attempt to hijack the coalition process, impose themselves as sole leaders, and weaken the authority of the party executives. We will never accept such a charade,” Dattijo declared.
The concerned members accused El-Rufai and his loyalists of polarising the ADC, alienating genuine members, and discouraging stakeholders who had worked hard to establish the party in Kaduna.
Consequently, they called on the ADC national leadership to intervene urgently, warning that no individual should be allowed to impose himself above the party.
“Instead of building unity, they are building enmity. Instead of mobilising for 2027, they are scattering the house we have all built with sweat and sacrifice. If this continues, the result will be disastrous — a total loss of the goodwill and opportunities that the ADC currently enjoys in Kaduna State.
“We urgently call on our national leaders to protect the unity of the ADC in Kaduna by ensuring that all activities in the state are carried out through the legitimate party structures.The ADC at national level must make it clear that no individual, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the party,” Dattijo added.
They also urged El-Rufai and his allies to retrace their steps and put the interest of the party above personal ambition.
“We are not against anyone’s political ambition. What we oppose is the hijack of our party by a few individuals who have no respect for structures, unity and democratic principles,” Dattijo said.
As of press time, El-Rufai and his accused allies — Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu — had yet to respond to the allegations.ENDS.
Concerned ADC members at a press briefing in Kaduna on Saturday. Photo credit: Godwin Isenyo.
