The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State is facing a leadership crisis after two rival factions held parallel congresses, producing competing state chairmen and secretaries-general. On Tuesday, Musa Wamba was re-elected as state chairman, with Nasir Umar emerging as secretary-general. However, just two days later, on Thursday, another faction held its own congress and declared Mohammed Rimi as chairman and Abubakar Adhama as secretary-general. The conflicting outcomes have plunged the party into disarray, raising concerns over its internal cohesion and readiness for upcoming elections.
The national secretariat of the ADC had previously rejected the Tuesday congress, calling it unauthorised and not in line with the party’s official calendar. Officials insisted that recognised state-level congresses were scheduled for later dates, and any proceedings held outside that framework would not be recognised. Despite this, the Tuesday event proceeded, leading to the election of Wamba and Umar, who have since been backed by a segment of the party’s leadership and members.
Meanwhile, the Thursday congress, which produced Rimi and Adhama, was attended by another group of party members and officials who argue that they followed proper procedures. This faction claims the national leadership failed to communicate clearly about the approved timelines, leaving room for confusion. Both sets of elected officials now claim legitimacy, deepening the division within the party’s ranks.
The crisis has been exacerbated by the recent influx of defectors from other political parties, including prominent figures seeking new political platforms. These new members have brought differing ideologies and leadership aspirations, contributing to the growing tension. Longstanding members of the ADC have expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of internal democracy and respect for party protocols.
As both factions maintain their positions, the leadership vacuum in Katsina State continues to affect party activities and preparations for future elections. The situation has drawn attention from political observers and party stakeholders, who are urging swift resolution to avoid further fragmentation. The ADC’s national leadership is under pressure to intervene and restore order, but no official announcement has been made as of yet.
This leadership dispute in Katsina State highlights broader challenges facing smaller political parties in Nigeria, especially those navigating rapid changes in membership and structure. The outcome of this crisis could influence the ADC’s performance in upcoming elections and its ability to present a united front. The party’s ability to resolve the conflict will be a key indicator of its strength and stability moving forward.
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