Ambut-led excos authentic ADC leaders in Kaduna — Party tells El-Rufai, others

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has declared that the authentic and recognised party chairman is Elder Patrick Ambut, whose executives were elected in 2022 under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking at a news conference in Kaduna on behalf of the Concerned ADC Members, a party chieftain, Adamu Ahmed Dattijo, said recent developments had compelled them to speak with one voice and alert the national leadership of the party as well as the general public about the activities of certain individuals.

He said, *“Instead of strengthening the ADC, some individuals are bent on dividing and weakening it ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The individuals at the centre of this dangerous development are Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Ja’afaru Sani, and Bashir Sa’idu. Their actions are threatening the stability of our party in Kaduna State, and if not checked immediately, they will sabotage the collective project of building a united ADC that can win elections and bring real change to our people.”

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The concerned ADC members further alleged that, “Instead of promoting collective leadership and coalition building, Malam 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, led by Patrick Ambut, and other respected stakeholders of our party.

“He runs a one-man show, taking decisions without consultation, and holding meetings only with his personal loyalists, particularly SDP remnants, while sidelining the authentic ADC leadership and grassroots structures across the 23 local governments of Kaduna State.”

Attempt to Hijack Coalition Transition
The group also accused El-Rufai and his allies of attempting to hijack the coalition process. “We are aware of plans being perfected by El-Rufai and his co-travellers, Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu, to organize what they are calling the ‘official inauguration of the transition of the Coalition across political parties in Kaduna State.’

“Let it be clearly stated here today: this so-called inauguration is fraudulent, illegitimate, and dead on arrival. Why? Because it does not involve the real ADC leadership and stakeholders from the 23 local governments of Kaduna State. Instead, it is another attempt to hijack the coalition process, impose themselves as sole leaders, and weaken the authority of the party executives and structures that are recognized by law and by the people. We will never accept such a charade.”

Division and Polarization of the ADC
The members further lamented that the activities of El-Rufai, Ja’afaru Sani, and Bashir Sa’idu had already caused serious division within the party.

“They have polarized the ADC/Coalition line in Kaduna, alienated loyal members, and discouraged genuine stakeholders who have laboured for this party. Instead of building unity, they are building enmity,” the statement read.

In light of the above, the concerned ADC members, coalition partners, and stakeholders across the 23 LGAs of Kaduna State made the following appeal to the national leadership of the ADC:

“We urgently call on you to intervene without delay. You must call Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his co-travellers to order.

“You must protect the unity of our party in Kaduna State by ensuring that all activities in the state are carried out through the legitimate ADC leadership and structures.

“The ADC at the national level must make it clear that no individual, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the party.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE