A fresh leadership dispute has emerged within the Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as two rival groups lay claim to the party’s structure following a contested congress.
One camp, led by Malam Mohammed Mainasara, maintains that it was officially authorised by the party’s national leadership to organise and supervise the congress in the state. Mainasara said he headed the committee assigned for the exercise, with Ambassador Zubairu Yalwa serving as secretary, alongside other members.
He noted that the committee carried out its assignment and facilitated the emergence of a new State Executive Committee (EXCO) through consensus backed by party stakeholders.
According to Mainasara, the exercise produced Malam Shehu Gulubba as State Chairman and Dr Ahmad Hashim as Secretary. Jafafar Aliyu was named Youth Leader, while Maryam Abdullahi emerged as Women Leader, among other positions.
But the development has been rejected by another faction led by Kabiru Garba Gusau, who insists he remains the duly recognised state chairman.
Gusau described the process that produced the new leadership as invalid, alleging that it was driven by individuals seeking to create division within the party for political purposes. He argued that any legitimate congress must involve broad consultation and agreement among all stakeholders.
He added that his faction has reported the matter to security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), and warned that it would not accept the outcome of the disputed exercise.
Gusau also announced disciplinary action against those who took part in the congress, stating that, as chairman, he retains the authority to suspend or dismiss party members.
