Internal disputes in ADC could weaken the party’s position in Nigeria
In Jigawa State in northwestern Nigeria, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faced an internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections. The causes of the conflict include a dispute over the alleged distribution of positions between factions and claims that winners of party primaries were replaced with other candidates, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Dispute between factions
ADC gubernatorial candidate Sabo Nakudu and party figure Bashir Jambo have been publicly at odds following the gubernatorial primaries. Jambo, who served four terms as a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, filed a complaint with the party’s appeals committee. He alleged irregularities, intimidation and interference by ADC leadership during the primaries.
In August, Nakudu publicly rejected a document circulated as an agreement between him and Jambo. It referred to a 60:40 power-sharing formula, the position of deputy governor, and appointments at the state and federal levels. Nakudu said that he had not negotiated, approved or signed such an agreement. He also announced his intention to pursue legal remedies against individuals who may have fabricated, altered or circulated the document in his name.
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Candidate replacements
Reports of the replacement of candidates who won the primaries became an additional source of tension. ADC state chairman Sani Muhammad told the publication that about eight winners of legislative primaries had been replaced. According to him, they included Zakari Alhaji-Sidi, who won the House of Representatives primary in the Hadejia, Kafin-Hausa and Auyo federal constituency.
Muhammad also said that Aminu Ibrahim, whom Nakudu had initially selected as his deputy gubernatorial candidate, was replaced by Balarabe Kaugama. He noted that he did not know the exact reasons for the decision.
Jambo’s supporters also accused Nakudu of refusing to campaign in support of ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. In particular, Nasiru Laraba said on Freedom Radio that Nakudu’s campaign posters do not feature Abubakar’s image, and accused the gubernatorial candidate of weakening his support in favor of President Bola Tinubu.
