The Jigawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally petitioned the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, demanding the immediate replacement of their governorship candidate, Senator Sabo Nakudu, over serious allegations of corruption linked to the diversion of constituency project funds. The petition, signed by Abubakar Sani and Ibrahim Maijamaa from the Gwaram Local Government Chapter, highlights a damning report from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that implicates Nakudu in financial misconduct. The ADC members argue that allowing Nakudu to remain as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections would be detrimental to the party’s credibility and electoral chances.
The petitioners state that Senator Sabo Nakudu, who represented the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023, was officially indicted by the ICPC under its Phase II Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI). According to the report, the commission recovered a total of N2.8 billion in public funds from Nakudu and two other individuals. In addition to the cash, the ICPC seized two Hilux trucks, hundreds of water pumping machines, motorcycles, and drilling rigs believed to be linked to companies allegedly owned by Nakudu and operated by his brothers.
The ADC members emphasize that these findings are not only credible but also damaging to the party’s image. They argue that fielding a candidate with such a serious indictment could undermine public trust and weaken the party’s growing influence in Jigawa State. They further warn that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) might exploit this situation to sabotage the ADC’s electoral ambitions, especially since Nakudu previously served as an APC senator and escaped prosecution during that tenure.
The petitioners believe that the party must act swiftly to protect its integrity and ensure a clean, credible candidate is fielded for the 2027 elections. They stress that continuing with Nakudu as the candidate would be “an exercise in futility” given the public scrutiny and potential for legal and political challenges. When contacted for comment, Senator Sabo Nakudu stated that he had not seen the petition and therefore could not respond to its contents.
This development underscores the increasing scrutiny on political candidates in Nigeria, particularly as parties prepare for the upcoming elections. The ADC’s internal challenge highlights the importance of ethical standards in political nominations and the growing demand for transparency among voters. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the outcome of this petition could influence voter perception and party dynamics in Jigawa State.
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