The factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Umar Faruk, has reaffirmed Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal as the authentic governorship candidate of the party in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Faruk stated this on Friday in Sokoto while addressing a news conference on the implications of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the processes that produced the David Mark-led national leadership of the party.
The court had also invalidated the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate and the nominations of candidates who emerged under the affected leadership structure.
According to Faruk, the Sokoto chapter considered it necessary to put its position beyond doubt and address growing concerns, misconceptions and competing claims over the authentic leadership and legitimate candidates of the party in the state.
He said the position of the chapter remains clear and consistent: that the leadership of the ADC under Nafiu Bala represents the leadership structure under which its candidates emerged, and all candidates nominated under his leadership remain valid and recognised.
“Consequently, Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State,” Faruk said.
The chapter categorically stated that Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya is not the governorship candidate recognised by the chapter under the Nafiu Bala-led leadership.
Faruk maintained that the legitimacy of political offices and candidacies within any political party cannot be determined by personal interests, political influence or unilateral declarations, but must be rooted in lawful processes and the party’s constitution.
He reiterated that all candidates who emerged through the Nafiu Bala-led leadership remain its recognised candidates.
The faction described the court’s decision as an important development in the ongoing efforts to restore order, constitutionalism and internal democracy within the party.
“It is the expectation of the chapter that all party members and stakeholders will respect the implications of the judgment and conduct themselves in accordance with the rule of law,” Faruk said.
He cautioned against attempts to create confusion among party members and the electorate through misleading claims, unauthorised political announcements or the presentation of individuals as candidates of the party without recognition under the legitimate leadership structure.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the chapter stands firmly behind Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal and remains committed to protecting his political mandate as the party’s governorship candidate in Sokoto State,” he added.
The state chapter also congratulated Nafiu Bala following the Federal High Court judgment, describing the development as a significant victory for justice, democratic principles and the rule of law.
According to the chapter, the judgment represents an important step towards resolving the leadership challenges confronting the party and restoring confidence among members who have remained committed to its constitutional provisions and established democratic processes.
The faction commended Bala for his determination to pursue the matter through lawful means, stressing that the court’s intervention demonstrates the importance of judicial institutions in protecting democratic values and ensuring accountability within political organisations.
While celebrating the development, the chapter called on all party members, supporters, stakeholders and loyalists across the state to remain calm, united and steadfast.
The leadership urged members to avoid unnecessary confrontations, inflammatory statements and actions capable of undermining the unity and reputation of the ADC.
It also encouraged supporters at the grassroots to continue mobilising, strengthening party structures and engaging communities in constructive political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Faruk said the commitment of the chapter to the people of Sokoto State remains unwavering, adding that politics should be driven by ideas, accountability, competence, integrity and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
He said the Sokoto chapter remains determined to strengthen its organisational structures, deepen grassroots engagement and provide an inclusive platform for Nigerians who desire democratic accountability.
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