Fresh Rift Rocks Jigawa ADC After Disputed Congress

Fresh divisions have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State following the re-election of Hon. Kabiru Hussaini Na-Rungo as the party’s state chairman during a disputed congress held on Thursday.

Na-Rungo was returned for another four-year term alongside other members of the state executive council after ward congresses conducted across the state.

However, the exercise has intensified an ongoing leadership dispute within the party, with rival camps contesting the legitimacy of the congress.

Speaking after the exercise, Na-Rungo said his faction remained the recognized leadership of the party in the state and maintained that the congress was conducted based on a court order.

According to him, the party had earlier notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders before the congress was held.

The congress also produced Zakari Ismaila Maaji as State Secretary, Hussaini Rabiu Auta as Publicity Secretary and Aliyu Safiyanu as Youth Leader.

Tension within the party further escalated after Na-Rungo announced the expulsion of some prominent members accused of organizing what he described as unauthorized congresses.

Those named include Senator Sabo Nakudu, Bashir Adamu Jumbo, Ali Gantsa and Abba Anas Laushi.

He also said the expulsion of the party’s former governorship candidate, earlier announced in 2023, had been reaffirmed.

Na-Rungo accused some political stakeholders of attempting to take control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The crisis is expected to further widen divisions within the party as opposition groups intensify political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.

Security personnel were said to have been deployed around the congress venue to maintain order during the exercise.