Guber Primary Fallout Threatens ADC’s Ambition In Jigawa

Muh’d Zangina Kura writes that the aftermath of the African Democratic Congress primary is threatening the party’s peace and that its dream of taking over the state in 2027 is at risk.

Barely weeks after positioning itself as a political platform capable of altering Jigawa State’s established political order, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strains following its governorship primary election, a development that some stakeholders fear could weaken the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy centres on the primary that produced Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu as the party’s governorship candidate.

Instead of consolidating unity within the party, the exercise has sparked disagreements among stakeholders and triggered fresh conversations over inclusion, loyalty and the future direction of the coalition in the state.

Concerns began emerging during the primary itself, as complaints over collation procedures and outcomes from some local government areas generated tension before party officials eventually completed the exercise.

While party leaders insist the process reflected democratic choice, some members maintain that the outcome left sections of the coalition dissatisfied.

Among those who publicly expressed disappointment was a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bashir Adamu Jumbo.

Jumbo, who represented Kazaure/Roni/Yankwashi/Gwiwa Federal Constituency and is widely regarded by supporters as one of the influential figures behind ADC’s expansion in Jigawa, said the outcome had left many loyal members questioning their place within the party.

“We brought this party to prominence in Jigawa State and worked very hard for it since the inception of the coalition. We invested our money, time, health and goodwill,” he said.

In remarks that quickly gained attention across political circles in the state, Jumbo added:

“It is unfortunate that you build a house and someone comes from nowhere to dislodge you — not honourably but with disgrace,” he added.

He further alleged that the process was characterised by actions that undermined confidence among some participants.

According to him, “There was blackmail, sabotage and political pressure during the exercise.”

Although those allegations remain disputed, his comments appeared to reflect concerns among some party members who believe long-standing contributors to the ADC project were not adequately recognised during the selection process.

Supporters of Senator Nakudu, however, argue that delegate-based contests inevitably produce competing interests and that the outcome should be respected.

Party sources maintain that the primary was conducted within the party’s constitutional framework and should not become a basis for internal fragmentation.

The fallout from the exercise has also generated speculation about possible shifts in political alignments.

There are reports that some political actors previously linked to a possible movement into the ADC later aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Idris Garba Kareka, and former Speaker Isa Idris of Gwaram.

Observers say such developments could shape local political calculations if the divisions persist.

Seeking to calm tensions, ADC State Chairman, Alhaji Sani Muhammad Gumel, appealed to aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders to remain committed to the party.

“We appeal to Hon. Bashir Adamu Jumbo and all other aspirants who did not emerge to accept the outcome of the primary in the spirit of democracy and party unity,” Gumel said.

Acknowledging Jumbo’s role in building the party, he added:

“Hon. Jumbo remains our leader and will continue to be respected in this party. One election should not define his place in the ADC.”

The chairman stressed that internal reconciliation would remain a priority moving forward.

“In every democratic contest, there must be a winner, but the party needs all its members after the contest. We are committed to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity,” he stated.

For political observers, the events in Jigawa reflect a familiar challenge confronting coalition-based parties — maintaining cohesion after ticket allocation.

While political alliances often gather momentum through shared ambitions, sustaining unity after competitive primaries can prove more difficult.

For the ADC, the immediate task may be less about expanding its support base and more about preserving confidence among existing stakeholders.

With the 2027 elections approaching, how the party manages post-primary grievances may determine whether the current disagreement remains a temporary setback or evolves into a broader internal challenge.

For now, the developments in Jigawa suggest that the battle to consolidate the coalition may prove just as important as the contest for votes.