A deepening leadership crisis has hit the Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following the rejection of a parallel congress by a rival faction within the party.
The dispute centres on a congress reportedly conducted by a group loyal to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, which another faction has described as unlawful and in defiance of an existing court order.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, the factional secretary, Adamu Aliyu, insisted that the exercise lacked legitimacy and could not stand under the law.
“We do not recognise them as executives of ADC in Kebbi, and we also do not recognise their congress because it will not stand, having violated a valid court order,” Aliyu said.
He argued that a prior court ruling had restrained the group allegedly led by Sufiyanu Bala from presenting themselves as party leaders, making any congress organised under their authority null and void.
“According to the law, no congress was held on Saturday because those who conducted it are not legally recognised and therefore have no right to organise such an exercise,” he added.
The faction further maintained that Abdulrazaq Iko remains the legitimate state chairman, with recognition from both the court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Aliyu also questioned the credibility of the exercise, noting that it was not monitored by the electoral body.
“The congress they claim to have conducted was not supervised by INEC, and as such, it is invalid,” he said.
Amid the growing tension, Iko called for calm among party members, urging them to respect the legal process.
“We urge our supporters and executives to remain peaceful and await further directives as we allow the court to determine the matter,” he said.
The development highlights ongoing internal divisions within the ADC in Kebbi, with both factions now awaiting judicial clarification on the party’s legitimate leadership and the validity of the disputed congress.