By Muhammad Usman Binji I The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State has issued a strong disclaimer to clarify ongoing confusion over the party’s authentic chairmanship in the state.
In a statement signed by Umar Muhammad Faruk, the recognised ADC Chairman in Sokoto State, the party declared that Alhaji Bello Isiyaku (Keegan) is not the state chairman, contrary to claims reportedly being circulated across media platforms.
Faruk explained that the national leadership of the party suspended Isiyaku in early September 2022 after he declared interest to run for governor under the ADC during the 2023 elections. Following that suspension, Faruk said he was duly appointed and has since been serving as the legitimate state chairman.
He noted that as a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), he represented Sokoto State at the ADC emergency mini-convention held in Zaria on September 22, where major decisions regarding the party’s national leadership were ratified. At the convention, the leadership of Chief Ralph Nwosu was validated by both the electoral commission and the court, after which a one-year caretaker mandate was handed over to the current Interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark.
The party cautioned Isiyaku to immediately stop appearing in the media as a representative of the ADC or using the party’s name to insult, defame, or malign individuals in Sokoto State. It also warned those giving him media platforms to desist from enabling such conduct, which it described as contrary to the party’s values and constitution.
Reaffirming its core principles, the ADC stressed that it is founded on dignity, respect, discipline, and service to humanity, and does not permit irresponsible commentary or the misuse of its identity for personal agendas. The party reiterated its commitment to promoting security, infrastructure, education, economic development, welfare, and healthcare for the benefit of citizens.
The statement concluded with a final warning that Isiyaku, described as only a former gubernatorial candidate, holds no leadership position in the party. It added that continued unauthorized use of the party’s name would attract legal action.
