ADC Leadership Crisis Intensifies in Zamfara as Factions Clash Over Legitimacy
The political landscape in Zamfara State has been thrown into turmoil as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faces a severe internal rift, with two competing factions each asserting their authority as the rightful leadership of the party in the state. This escalating conflict threatens to undermine the party's cohesion and electoral prospects ahead of future political engagements.
Faction Led by Malam Mohammed Mainasara Claims National Backing
One faction, spearheaded by Malam Mohammed Mainasara, maintains that it has the full endorsement of the ADC's national secretariat. Mainasara has stated that he was officially appointed as the Chairman of the Congress Committee, with Ambassador Zubairu Yalwa serving as Secretary, to supervise the party's congress in Zamfara State. According to his account, the committee successfully organized a congress in Gusau, the state capital, which resulted in the formation of a new State Executive Committee (EXCO) through a consensus agreement that was approved by key stakeholders.
From this process, Malam Shehu Maishanu Gulubba emerged as the newly elected State Chairman, while Dr. Ahmad Hashim was chosen as Secretary. Additional appointments include Jafar Aliyu as Youth Leader and Maryam Abdullahi as Women Leader, forming a comprehensive leadership team aimed at revitalizing the party. In his acceptance address, Gulubba emphasized a commitment to fortifying the ADC by focusing on grassroots mobilization and fostering internal unity, rather than engaging in what he termed unproductive political activities.
Rival Faction Led by Kabiru Garba Gusau Rejects Congress as Illegal
In stark opposition, a rival faction under the leadership of Kabiru Garba Gusau has vehemently rejected the congress, labeling it as both illegal and provocative. Gusau asserts that he remains the authentic chairman of the ADC in Zamfara State, arguing that the congress was orchestrated by individuals with ulterior motives to destabilize the party for personal political gain. He insists that any legitimate leadership process must involve the participation of all stakeholders to ensure fairness and transparency.
Gusau has declared that his faction will not recognize the outcomes of the disputed congress and has escalated the matter by reporting it to security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS). Furthermore, he has announced the suspension of participants involved in the contested meeting, warning that they could face additional disciplinary measures. Gusau stresses that, as the recognized chairman, he possesses the constitutional authority to enforce such decisions, underscoring the deep-seated divisions within the party.
This leadership crisis highlights the broader challenges of internal democracy and factionalism within political parties in Nigeria, particularly in regions like Zamfara where political stability is crucial. The ongoing dispute raises questions about the ADC's ability to present a united front in upcoming elections and its overall governance structure.
