Written By: Ahmed Rufa’i in Dutse
The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State took a dramatic turn as a newly inaugurated chairman of the party, Hon. Kabiru Husaini Narungu, announced the expulsion of several prominent members, including former Deputy Governor Ahmad Mahmoud Gumel Kulkuli and Senator Sabo Nakudu.
The development came during the inauguration of new state executive members of the party held in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
Narungu insisted that the congress which produced the new executives was lawful and backed by a valid court judgment that nullified earlier congresses allegedly conducted by individuals without constitutional authority.
According to him, the court affirmed that only recognised state party leadership possesses the legal right to organise congresses and conventions.
“Today’s congress is a victory for democracy, justice and internal party discipline. We are determined to rebuild ADC in Jigawa State on the principles of transparency, accountability and unity,” he declared.
The factional chairman disclosed that invitations were officially sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders before the congress was conducted.
He explained that the party had earlier concluded ward congresses across the state before inaugurating the new state executives.
Narungu, however, ignited fresh controversy after accusing some party stakeholders of conducting what he described as “kangaroo congresses” aimed at hijacking the structure of the party in the state.
Among those he announced as expelled were Bashir Adamu Jumbo, Ali Gasar, Senator Sabo Nakudu and a former governorship candidate of the party.
Although he refrained from formally expelling former Deputy Governor Ahmad Mahmoud Gumel Kulkuli, Narungu said the elder statesman would henceforth be ignored politically by his faction.
“I respect him because of his age and status, but those who attempted to sideline the legitimate leadership of the party cannot continue to parade themselves as ADC members in Jigawa,” he said.
He further alleged that some members engaged in the “commercialisation and sale of party mandates,” stressing that the ADC in Jigawa “is not for sale.
”On reconciliation efforts, Narungu admitted that several meetings had previously been held with aggrieved members but ended without resolution.
He also dismissed claims linking his faction to any political camp associated with former Senate President David Mark, insisting that his group remains loyal only to the ADC constitution and recognised leadership structure.“We are not under any faction. Our loyalty is to ADC and its constitution,” he stated.
The event was attended by party delegates, supporters and security operatives amid growing tension over the leadership tussle within the party in Jigawa State.
