Dare Babalola
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State is embroiled in a crisis after expelling Deputy Chairman Ahmed Mustapha and eight senior officials for alleged gross misconduct, insubordination, and attempts to seize party leadership roles.
The State Executive Committee took drastic action, expelling the officials in a bid to restore party discipline following an emergency meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday.
Those affected by the expulsion include the State Publicity Secretary, Idris Musa; State Vice Chairman (Zone 1), Sulaiman Abdullahi; State Treasurer, Gambo Sani; State Financial Secretary, Magaji Maiwada; and State Legal Adviser, Danlami Dabai Musa. Others are the State Coordinator of Persons with Disabilities, Saura Muhammed; State Deputy Youth Leader, Ibrahim Muhammed; and one Mansur Gaga.
The party accused the expelled officials of actions that threatened the ADC’s unity, reputation, and operations in Kaduna and the North-West zone, adding that their activities were deemed detrimental to the party’s image and lawful functioning.
The expelled members allegedly held clandestine meetings to plan leadership changes, forged documents, and extorted party members, breaching the ADC constitution, according to the SEC resolution.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, the Kaduna State ADC Chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut, said the party could no longer tolerate actions that threaten its internal cohesion.
He declared that the leadership in Kaduna remained “committed to discipline, transparency, and the rule of law,” adding that the expulsions followed due process as provided in the ADC constitution.
“As law-abiding members of the ADC, we are committed to upholding the party’s constitution and safeguarding its integrity. No individual, no matter his position, is above the law of the party,” Ambut said.
The Chairman alleged that Deputy Chairman Mustapha abused his office, impersonated others, and engaged in actions that threatened to disrupt harmony in Kaduna State and the North-West zone.
He added, “These actions constitute a gross violation of the ADC constitution and are contrary to established party procedures.
“The Deputy Chairman acted without due process, as he lacks the constitutional authority to convene any meeting or issue such directives on behalf of the party.”
Meanwhile, the party announced the appointment of the Deputy State Publicity Secretary, Alex Tagwai, as Acting Publicity Secretary pending further adjustments within the state executive.
Ambut said the decision was endorsed unanimously by the SEC, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders during the meeting.
“Mr. Tagwai will immediately assume responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of the publicity unit and prevent any communication gaps,” Ambut said.
