Zamfara State, Nigeria — A leadership crisis has erupted within the Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a disputed state congress that produced rival factions claiming authority over the party’s structure.
The controversy centres on a congress allegedly supervised by a committee led by Malam Mohammed Mainasara, who asserts he was officially mandated by the party’s national leadership to conduct the exercise. According to Mainasara, the congress was held with stakeholder consensus and resulted in the election of Malam Shehu Gulubba as State Chairman, Dr Ahmad Hashim as Secretary, Jafafar Aliyu as Youth Leader, and Maryam Abdullahi as Women Leader, among other positions.
However, the legitimacy of the congress has been rejected by a rival faction headed by Kabiru Garba Gusau, who maintains he remains the duly recognised state chairman. Gusau has dismissed the process as invalid, alleging it was orchestrated by individuals seeking to sow division within the party for political gain. He insists that any legitimate party congress must involve broad consultation and agreement among all stakeholders.
Gusau’s faction has formally reported the matter to security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). He has also announced disciplinary measures against those who participated in the congress, asserting his authority as chairman to suspend or dismiss party members.
The dispute threatens to deepen internal divisions within the ADC in Zamfara State, potentially affecting the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects. Observers note that such leadership crises can undermine party stability and weaken opposition strength in the state.
The national leadership of the ADC has yet to issue an official statement clarifying which faction holds legitimate authority, leaving the matter unresolved and heightening tensions within the party ranks.
