The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State is confronting a severe structural crisis, with its organisational presence severely weakened across numerous local government areas as the 2027 general election approaches. Despite its role in a national opposition coalition, the party’s state-level framework is fragmented, with many local chapters either inactive or divided by internal strife.
Reports indicate the ADC struggles to maintain functional grassroots structures in a significant number of the state’s 21 local government areas. Political analysts note that a party’s electoral viability is directly tied to its ward and local government presence, areas where the ADC’s footprint is reportedly minimal. Many chapters exist in name only, with little regular activity or member engagement.
This deterioration is largely attributed to persistent leadership conflicts. In October 2025, the party suspended Sule-Iko Sadeeq for unauthorised claims to the state chairmanship, affirming Sufiyanu Bala as the recognised leader. Days later, a rival faction suspended Bala, his deputy, and the state secretary, accusing them of unilateral decisions and undue influence from “Abuja politicians.” Stakeholders then appointed Abdulrazaq Abubakar Isah Iko as interim chairman. Subsequently, in November 2025, a Kebbi High Court issued an injunction restraining a faction aligned with former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami from parading as leaders, barring suspended officials from holding state party positions.
These divisions have crippled the ADC’s mobilisation capacity, starkly contrasting with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which won all 21 local government chairmanship seats and 225 councillorship positions in the 2024 elections. The APC’s complete control of councils underscores the ADC’s marginal position.
The party’s challenges are intertwined with the political trajectory of Malami, a key figure who joined the ADC from the APC in mid-2025 and became its governorship candidate. His influence, however, has been reportedly hampered by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigations, affecting mobilisation efforts. Aide to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, dismissed the ADC as a non-entity, claiming Malami lacked significant political impact in the state.
Nevertheless, interim chairman Iko acknowledged the party’s reorganisation phase, stating commitments to rebuild across all 21 local government areas. “Our focus is on unity, discipline and expansion,” he said, asserting efforts to engage stakeholders and position the ADC as a credible alternative by 2027.
The ADC’s situation in Kebbi highlights the formidable obstacles opposition parties face in states with entrenched single-party dominance. Resolving its leadership impasse and establishing a coherent grassroots network are critical steps if it is to contest the 2027 elections with any meaningful impact.
