The African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State has rejected reports of internal division, insisting that the party remains united and well-positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with our correspondent, the Kebbi State Secretary of the party, Comrade Adamu Aliyu, described claims of factionalisation and the emergence of parallel executives as false and misleading. He said the current leadership remains the only legitimate structure recognised by the party.
Aliyu said the state executive council was duly elected during the party’s congress in August 2022 and that its tenure had not expired. According to him, the leadership is expected to remain in office until around June or July, when a fresh congress would be conducted.
He attributed the controversy surrounding the party to alleged external interference, accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to destabilise ADC through financial inducements. Aliyu dismissed those parading themselves as party executives, saying they were not bona fide members of the ADC.
According to him, such individuals neither possess membership cards nor have any official standing within the party. He stressed that ADC in Kebbi State operates with a single, recognised leadership and secretariat, insisting that the party’s structure remains intact.
On the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections, Aliyu expressed confidence in ADC’s growing acceptance across the state, noting that preparations were already underway to confront the incumbent administration. He revealed that several individuals had indicated interest in contesting under the party’s platform, including for the governorship, although only one aspirant had so far made a public declaration.
Aliyu said the party remains open to new members and aspirants, adding that ADC is determined to provide an alternative political direction for the state.
He urged party members, particularly at the grassroots, to intensify mobilisation and voter education ahead of the elections. According to him, while party executives at ward and state levels are making efforts, there is a need for greater commitment to enlighten voters on the party’s ideals and programmes.
Commenting on governance in Kebbi State, Aliyu adopted a balanced stance, acknowledging that the state government has recorded progress in some areas while also identifying gaps that need attention. He said opposition politics should be constructive, noting that no government can achieve perfection.
He identified security and education as sectors where some efforts have been made, but stressed that challenges remain. On insecurity, Aliyu described it as a national issue rather than one limited to Kebbi State, urging both federal and state authorities to intensify their response.
He called for increased manpower, better equipment and stronger commitment to tackle security challenges, particularly in affected areas. Aliyu cited improvements in places such as Zuru, where he said relative peace has returned, allowing displaced residents to go back to their homes.
He concluded by calling for sustained collaboration to safeguard lives and property, stressing that citizens deserve lasting security and that governments must continue to push criminal elements out of communities.
