The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State has been plunged into a leadership crisis as the party splits into two factions, each laying claim to control of the state structure. The factions are led by Kabiru Garba Gusau and Mallam Shehu Muhammad Maisshanu Guluba, both of whom insist they represent the authentic leadership of the party in the state. Despite the internal division, both camps have maintained that Barrister Mahadi Aliyu Gusau remains the party's duly elected governorship candidate following his victory in the ADC primary election.
Speaking to journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, Mallam Shehu Muhammad Maisshanu Guluba dismissed reports suggesting that the party had replaced its governorship candidate, describing such claims as false, misleading, and baseless. He reaffirmed that Mahadi Aliyu Gusau remains the authentic candidate of the party and will represent the ADC in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Guluba urged party members and the public to disregard what he called deliberate misinformation aimed at creating confusion within the party.
In a counter position, the faction led by Kabiru Garba Gusau insisted that he remains the authentic state chairman of the ADC. Gusau stated that any attempt to recognize another individual as chairman was a violation of the party's constitution, adding that he was duly elected into office. He further maintained that the national secretariat of the party recognizes his leadership, noting that the election that brought him into office was conducted under the supervision of representatives from the party's national headquarters.
The development highlights growing tensions within the Zamfara ADC as rival factions jostle for control ahead of future elections, despite attempts by both sides to project unity over the party's governorship ticket.
