ADC Supporters Losing Faith as Dispute Continues in Katsina

A leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State, Mustapha Inuwa, has warned that supporters are starting to lose faith in the party. This comes as the disagreement over who should be the party's governorship candidate remains unresolved.

Mr Inuwa, who used to be the Secretary to the Katsina State Government and is also a governorship hopeful, spoke on Saturday at a meeting with his supporters in Katsina.

He accused the party leaders of ignoring concerns about how the party's primaries were conducted. Mr Inuwa said his group had already raised issues with the party's top officials but had not received any response. This has led to further discussions with supporters.

“The party that people have confidence in, that they have hope in, is the party that is starting with this kind of mess. It is really unfortunate,” Mr Inuwa said.

“People are disappointed. People are beginning to lose hope in ADC.”

These comments show the growing divisions within the opposition party in Katsina. Disagreements over who should be the party's candidate for the 2027 elections have sparked internal fights and caused some members to leave.

Mr Inuwa mentioned that his supporters have decided to give the party leadership more time to deal with their concerns. He warned that they still have other political options if nothing changes.

He stated that his group would review its stance in one or two weeks, depending on what happens. “We still give them time to think if they can come to terms with the truth,” he said.

“All we are asking is: do what is legal, do what is according to the law, do what the law stipulates. Especially the Electoral Act, the Constitution of Nigeria and that of the party.”

The former Secretary to the Government insisted that they are not asking for automatic tickets for anyone but want a process that everyone in the party can accept and that follows the law.

Mr Inuwa repeated his claim that no valid primaries took place across Katsina State before the announcement of candidates. “There was no primary done anywhere, in any of the 361 wards, in any of the 34 local governments,” he said.

He accused some candidates of being chosen by a few individuals instead of through the proper party process. The ADC leader stressed that all aspirants, even those from other factions within the party, should be allowed to join in any new primary or consensus arrangement.

“If we are to hold primaries, everybody should come, including the other camp. Let them come and participate in the primaries,” he said.

Mr Inuwa also shared that several political parties have reached out to him and his supporters during this ongoing crisis. “APC is looking for us. PDP is looking for us. NNPP is looking for us,” he said.

“We have options, honestly. But my main concern is the ADC.” He added that no decision has been made about switching parties, emphasizing that any future political move will involve discussions with supporters and key stakeholders.

“I don’t decide on my own. We talk to the people, we ask them to go and consult widely,” he said.

The conflict focuses on how candidates for the 2027 elections in Katsina State are chosen. Mr Inuwa and other aspirants have consistently questioned the process that selected candidates for various positions, including the governorship ticket. They argue it didn't follow the party's constitution or the Electoral Act.

This issue has already caused some aspirants to defect and has increased uncertainty within the party's Katsina chapter, especially as the 2027 elections approach. Despite his criticisms, Mr Inuwa still hopes for a resolution within the ADC. He urged party leaders to step in before the crisis further harms the party’s chances in the state.