The African Democratic Congress has been plunged into internal turmoil in Bauchi State following rival claims over the leadership of the party, raising fresh concerns about cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The crisis came to the fore on Sunday after the state chairman of the party, Mr Hassan Haruna, alleged that certain individuals had been contracted to foment unrest within the ADC in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi, Haruna dismissed reports suggesting that he had been suspended from office, describing them as baseless and mischievous.
He maintained that the purported suspension, announced at a separate press briefing by some party members, was the handiwork of impostors and disgruntled elements seeking to undermine the party’s growing influence and popularity in Bauchi.
According to Haruna, his emergence as chairman followed a duly conducted state congress that was recognised by the national leadership of the ADC, a process he said was consistent with what obtained in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He insisted that the action taken against him was unconstitutional, noting that the party’s constitution clearly outlined procedures for disciplining or removing officials, which, he said, were flagrantly ignored.
“The people parading themselves as leaders are acting outside the constitution of the party,” Haruna said, alleging that they were paid agents bent on creating confusion and internal crisis.
He further disclosed that Aminu Muhammad, identified as a former chairman of the party in Bauchi Local Government Area, had been expelled, while Babayo Musa Garba remained under suspension, with letters to that effect dated January 2. Haruna added that the ADC had duly recognised executives across all the 20 local government areas of the state.
Urging party members and the general public to disregard statements from what he termed self-acclaimed impostors, Haruna reaffirmed that the ADC coalition remained open to Nigerians who shared its vision of deepening democracy and easing the hardship faced by citizens.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to take note of the situation, assuring party faithful of unity and continued commitment to democratic principles.
However, reacting to the allegations, Aminu Muhammad denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Haruna was not legally acting as the state chairman of the party. He also rejected claims of his expulsion, saying he had not received any formal letter to that effect.
Muhammad stressed that due process must be strictly followed in the removal of any party official, warning that failure to adhere to constitutional provisions could further deepen the crisis within the party.
