The Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated its internal crisis, rejecting the appointment of Abdullahi Maigwandu and Aliyu Rabah as Chairman and Secretary of the party’s Membership, Mobilisation, Revitalisation and Registration Committee in the state.
The party also warned that it may head to court if the decision is not reversed.
Addressing journalists at the ADC State Secretariat on Monday, the state chairman, Umar Faruk, described the appointments as imposed and made without consultation with the recognised state executive.
Faruk said the decision undermined internal democracy and posed a direct threat to unity within the party.
“This decision is unacceptable to us. It violates the ADC constitution and undermines internal democracy. You cannot build a party by sidelining those who laboured to establish its structure in Sokoto,” he said.
The MMRR committee is regarded as a key organ of the party, responsible for grassroots mobilisation, membership registration and revitalising structures ahead of future elections.
Naija News understands that tension within the party intensified following recent defections and leadership disputes in the state.
Faruk noted that the controversy deepened after Maigwandu, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was appointed chairman of the committee barely a day after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, while Rabah also defected from the same party shortly before his appointment.
“These individuals are not properly registered members of the ADC in Sokoto State. There was no engagement with the state leadership, no stakeholders’ meeting and no transparent process,” he added.
The Sokoto ADC leadership warned the party’s national leadership against actions capable of plunging the chapter into deeper crisis, vowing to resist what it described as attempts to hijack the party structure.
“We will not fold our arms and watch our party be taken over through the back door. All legal options are on the table to protect the integrity of the ADC in Sokoto,” Faruk declared.
He also cautioned members of the public against collecting membership cards not issued by the recognised state leadership, noting that such cards could later be invalidated.
The state secretary, Yusuf Alkali, disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to approach the court over the continued claim to leadership by former chairman, Bello Ishyaku Keegan.
“We want clarity and order in the party. The courts will determine the rightful leadership so that the ADC can move forward in Sokoto,” Alkali said.
While reaffirming that the party remained open to new members, the state leadership stressed that proper registration, consultation and adherence to due process must guide appointments and political engagements.
“Our doors are open to everyone, but there must be rules. If we abandon due process today, we destroy the party tomorrow,” Faruk warned.
