Writing by Daniel Karlmax; Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
Concerned members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, coalition partners, and key stakeholders from across the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State have raised serious concerns over what they described as attempts by former governor Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, alongside Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu, to hijack the party’s structure in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the group accused the trio of undermining the unity and progress of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Adamu Ahmed Dattijo stated that the actions of the individuals in question threaten to derail the collective efforts to build a strong and winning party in Kaduna State.
The group described El-Rufa’i’s style of leadership as “arrogant and imposed”, accusing him of sidelining the duly elected Kaduna State ADC Executive Committee and engaging only with loyalists, especially former members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“Instead of promoting collective leadership and coalition building, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has chosen the path of arrogance and imposition,” Dattijo said.
He further criticized El-Rufai’s refusal to consult the broader party leadership, stressing that “a political party is built on inclusion, consultation, and loyalty to its structures—not on the whims of one individual or a few allies.”
The group also rejected the planned “official inauguration of the transition of the coalition across political parties in Kaduna State,” labeling it a charade.
“This so-called inauguration does not involve the real ADC leadership and stakeholders across the 23 LGAs. It is another attempt to hijack the coalition process and weaken the authority of the legally recognized party executives,” the statement read.
According to the stakeholders, the activities of El-Rufa’i and his associates have already caused significant division within the party, alienating loyal members and discouraging committed stakeholders.
“If this continues, we risk entering the 2027 elections as a divided and weakened party. The result will be disastrous—a total loss of goodwill, strength, and the opportunities the ADC currently enjoys in Kaduna State,” Dattijo warned.
The group issued a three-point call to action, appealing to the national leadership of the ADC, the individuals involved, and party members across Kaduna State as a matter of urgency Intervene immediately to halt the destabilization efforts.
Similarly, it stressed the need to Reinforce respect for duly constituted party structures in Kaduna State, emphasizing that no individual is bigger than the party.
The group called on the trio to cease all divisive actions, recognize and work with the elected ADC leadership, and prioritize the interest of the party and the people of Kaduna over personal ambitions.
It urged the supporters to remain calm and vigilant, reject illegal gatherings or parallel structures, and stay loyal to the legitimate ADC leadership.
The stakeholders clarified that their position is not against anyone’s ambition, but against undemocratic methods and disregard for party unity.
“The ADC in Kaduna State belongs to all of us—not to El-Rufa’i, not to Ja’afaru Sani, not to Bashir Sa’idu. If we must win 2027, then unity, discipline, and respect for party structures must come first,” the group emphasized.
They urged the National leadership to act swiftly and decisively before the situation deteriorates further.
Daniel Karlmax
