ADC Suspends Bauchi State Chairman Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended Mallam Hassan Haruna, its Bauchi State chairman, citing serious allegations of anti-party activities and constitutional violations. The decision was announced by the party’s acting state chairman, Alhaji Mahmood Hassan Tabla, during a press briefing in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Tabla stated that the suspension followed actions taken by the chairmen of the ADC across all 20 local government areas in the state. Exercising their constitutional powers, these officials constituted a disciplinary committee and issued a formal query to Haruna containing specific allegations. The charges include failure to respond to previous queries, engaging in actions that undermine party unity, recognizing parallel party executives, defamation, and gross misconduct.
A key point of contention, according to Tabla, was Haruna’s reaction to the query. Instead of responding, Haruna allegedly issued a press statement on January 18, 2026, and convened a meeting the next day where he announced an alternate list of 20 local government party chairmen. This act of establishing a competing leadership structure was cited as a primary reason for the disciplinary action.
The dispute has now moved to the courts. Tabla revealed that the local government executives have filed a suit at the Bauchi State High Court against Haruna and 20 others. The court has subsequently issued a restraining order, prohibiting them from presenting themselves as ADC executives in the state.
In his remarks, Tabla described the ADC as a credible opposition platform and pledged that the party’s leadership in Bauchi would work diligently to foster peace, unity, and internal democracy. He framed the suspension as a necessary step to uphold the party’s constitution and ensure cohesive opposition politics in the state.
This internal crisis highlights the challenges of party management and loyalty within Nigeria’s opposition landscape. The ADC, a party with a presence in several states, is striving to present a united front. The legal injunction and public suspension signal a deepening rift that will require careful resolution to maintain the party’s operational integrity and public credibility in Bauchi ahead of future electoral cycles. The next steps involve the disciplinary committee’s proceedings and the outcome of the court case, which will determine the official leadership structure of the ADC in Bauchi State.
