Elites Attempt Hijack, ADC Jigawa Stands Firm For True Party Democracy

The Jigawa State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns over recent actions by some individuals within the national leadership of the party, describing such actions as unconstitutional, undemocratic and capable of undermining party unity, internal democracy and grassroots confidence in Jigawa State and beyond.

In a media statement released in Dutse, the ADC Jigawa State Secretary, Dr. Musa Isa Matara, said it had become necessary to set the record straight for the benefit of party members, supporters and the general public on the true nature of the crisis affecting the party in Jigawa State.

According to him, the ADC structure in Jigawa State is solid, functional and highly formidable, with duly constituted leadership and membership structures from polling units and wards through local governments, zones and up to the state level. He explained that before the coalition arrangement, ADC Jigawa had already built a strong grassroots base and an internally accepted leadership structure.

Dr. Matara recalled that following the unveiling of the ADC-led coalition, the coalition team from Jigawa State joined the party through a proper, transparent and constitutional process. He noted that a series of meetings were held involving ADC leaders and coalition partners, during which structures were harmonised, responsibilities were shared and leadership roles were distributed in a manner that reflected inclusiveness, balance and mutual respect.

He stressed that from the first day of the coalition to date, there was no crisis in Jigawa State, as both long-standing ADC members and coalition entrants worked together harmoniously. According to him, activities were jointly carried out, decisions were collectively taken and party growth remained steady across the state.

He further explained that this unity was also demonstrated when Jigawa State was allocated national positions within the party. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that Hon. Bashir Adamu Jimbo Matawallen Kazaure should represent the state as National Chancellor of Policy and Special Duties, while Hon. Ali Tukur Gantsa was endorsed as Assistant National Organising Secretary. He described this consensus as a reflection of ADC’s commitment to dialogue and collective decision-making rather than imposition.

Dr. Matara stated that the present crisis only emerged recently following undue interference by some actors at the national level, particularly regarding the Membership Registration, Mobilisation and Revalidation (MRMR) Committee. He explained that Jigawa stakeholders duly submitted a list of ten committee members in line with party procedure, out of which Dr. Yau Balarabe Musa was appointed chairman and AMB Basira Yahaya was appointed secretary.

According to him, this list enjoyed broad acceptance among party leaders, coalition partners and grassroots members across the state.

However, he revealed that pressure was later mounted from certain quarters at the national level to alter the list and impose a different MRMR secretary linked to elite interests and external political camps.

Dr. Matara stated categorically that ADC Jigawa has rejected the imposed MRMR secretary and any form of imposition engineered by elite deal makers within the national leadership. He emphasised that ADC is a grassroots party built on participation, consultation and constitutional order, not secret agreements reached by a few individuals and forced on states without their consent. He warned that Jigawa State will not accept decisions taken over its head by people who neither built the party structure in the state nor invested the time, resources and sacrifices required to sustain it.

Addressing speculations surrounding the possible entry of Sule Lamido into the party, Dr. Matara clarified that ADC Jigawa has no problem with Lamido joining the coalition. He described Lamido as a respected elder statesman and former leader in Jigawa State whose political experience is widely acknowledged. However, he insisted that any such entry must follow due process, beginning with proper membership procedures and engagement with existing party structures, rather than attempts to impose leadership or dismantle established arrangements from the top.

He warned that imposing individuals or structures in Jigawa State under the guise of coalition politics could weaken ADC’s credibility as a national opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Drawing lessons from the internal crises that weakened other major political parties in the past, he cautioned that ignoring internal democracy has historically led to divisions, defections and electoral decline.

He concluded by calling on the ADC national leadership to exercise restraint, respect the autonomy of Jigawa State and immediately reverse all imposed decisions relating to the MRMR committee. He reaffirmed that ADC Jigawa remains loyal to the party and committed to its growth, unity and success, but will firmly resist any attempt to hijack its structure, undermine its dignity or invalidate the collective will of its members.