ADC Bauchi Crisis: Haruna Dismisses Suspension, Insists He’s Chairman

Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bauchi State, Mallam Hassan Haruna, has dismissed claims of his suspension by a faction of the party, describing the action as a deliberate attempt to create confusion within the party.

Haruna rejected allegations that he was suspended over alleged anti-party activities and actions capable of destabilising the ADC, insisting that the claims were baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking to journalists at the party’s state secretariat in Bauchi yesterday, Haruna maintained that he remains the legitimate and substantive chairman of the ADC in the state, noting that internal disagreements are common in political parties, particularly those formed through mergers.

“All parties that merged to form ADC have experienced internal disputes. As far as I am concerned, ADC in Bauchi State is one, and I remain the substantive chairman,” he said.

The leadership crisis escalated on Tuesday when Alhaji Mahmood Hassan Tabla declared himself the acting state chairman, claiming that chairmen from the 20 local government areas of the state had constituted a Disciplinary Committee which queried Haruna over alleged misconduct.

He further alleged that the moves against him were a result of his refusal to be manipulated by certain interests within the party, stressing that due process was not followed in the purported suspension.

“The person who broke into the party secretariat cannot be compared to someone who holds the legitimate key and authority of this office,” Haruna said, questioning the legality of the actions taken by his opponents.

Haruna called on party members to remain calm and law-abiding, asking how a few local government chairmen could remove a state chairman without the involvement and approval of the State Working Committee.

Haruna also reaffirmed that the ADC in Bauchi State recognises and takes directives only from the party’s national leadership, led by Senator David Mark.

According to him, the individual laying claim to the chairmanship position remains as a deputy chairman of the party and lacks constitutional authority to assume leadership as chairman.

He urged members to uphold party discipline and respect constitutional order, stressing that internal disputes must be resolved through recognised party mechanisms to safeguard unity ahead of future political activities in the state.