The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, has come under fire and is being urged to resign immediately following allegations of forged death certificates. The Guardian of Democracy and Development Initiative has also called for his suspension and prosecution in light of the controversy.

These developments stem from a recent demand by Musa Mohammed Ali, who contested for the House of Representatives seat in Nasarawa Constituency, Kano State, during the 2023 general election. Ali has demanded a public apology from Sani and the National Secretary, Victor Fingesi, as well as the withdrawal of a letter allegedly accompanied by a forged death certificate, which was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ali claims that prior to the general elections, the party chairman and secretary notified INEC of his replacement, citing his alleged death. This has sparked outrage, prompting a press conference by the Guardian of Democracy and Development Initiative, where Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, its convener, alongside the affected candidates, Muhammad Ali and Nafiu Haruna, demanded the prosecution of the party Chairman for forgery and perjury.

The group condemned the Chairman’s actions as criminal, diabolic, and selfish, asserting that he deserves to be held accountable for his alleged involvement in the forgery. The legitimacy of Ali as the House of Representatives candidate of the ADP for Nassarawa Federal Constituency, Kano State, has been called into question following the alleged forgery of his death certificate, swearing of an affidavit, and the subsequent request for his replacement submitted to INEC.

The forged death certificate, bearing no. 922227, was allegedly issued with an affidavit at the Mai Kuluo registration center in Nassarawa LGA, Kano State, indicating that Ali had passed away at home in Kano. The group has emphatically demanded Sani’s immediate resignation and, failing that, has called for the commencement of his impeachment, arrest, and prosecution by the ADP hierarchy.

In response to these allegations, ADP National Chairman YY Sani did not deny the claims but distanced himself from the alleged actions, stating that it was the party, and not him personally, who was responsible for the forged death certificates. Sani’s rebuttal emphasized the distinction between the allegations against him personally and his role as the Chairman of ADP.

The unfolding controversy has ignited a fervent demand for accountability within the ADP, with the affected candidates and the Guardian of Democracy and Development Initiative adamant in their pursuit of justice. The allegations and subsequent reactions have cast a shadow over the party leadership, calling into question the integrity of the electoral process and the ethical conduct of its members.

This latest development sets the stage for a tumultuous period within the ADP, as the push for transparency and accountability takes center stage in the midst of these troubling allegations. The outcome of this controversy will undoubtedly reverberate across Nigeria’s political landscape, shaping public perception and the democratic accountability of political entities.

As this saga continues to unfold, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the ADP, awaiting decisive action and a resolution that upholds the values of democracy and ethical leadership.

Keywords: ADP, Chairman, Resignation, Forgery, Death Certificates, Allegations, Prosecution, Impeachment, Accountability, Political Integrity