The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zamfara State Chapter, categorically rejects the list of purported ADC candidates recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), containing names presented as candidates of the Party for the 2027 General Elections in Zamfara State.
The publication is unacceptable, misleading and inconsistent with the legitimate and judicially recognised leadership and structure of the African Democratic Congress in Zamfara State.
For the avoidance of doubt, the ADC Zamfara State Chapter conducted its duly authorised party primaries for the Governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections in accordance with the Party’s Constitution and applicable electoral laws and guidelines.
The primaries were duly conducted and monitored by relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and members of the media.
At the conclusion of the primaries, legitimate candidates emerged through the Party’s democratic processes. The results were duly documented and submitted to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
It is therefore unacceptable that INEC has published a list containing names that do not reflect the authentic candidates who emerged from the duly conducted and monitored ADC primaries in Zamfara State.
THE PUBLISHED LIST CANNOT STAND
The ADC Zamfara State Chapter makes it unequivocally clear that any person whose name appears on the disputed INEC publication but did not emerge from the legitimate and duly recognised ADC primary election process does not have the mandate of the ADC Zamfara State Chapter to represent the Party in the 2027 General Elections.
The Party cannot accept any attempt, whether administrative, political or otherwise, to substitute the legitimate candidates freely chosen through the Party’s recognised democratic process.
The mandate of ADC members in Zamfara State cannot be altered through an administrative publication.
COURT JUDGMENTS AND THE RECOGNISED PARTY STRUCTURE
Our position is firmly anchored on subsisting judicial pronouncements concerning the legitimate leadership and structure of the African Democratic Congress.
The Federal High Court judgment delivered on 29 April 2026 affirmed the legitimacy of the recognised State Working Committee and set aside purported congresses and caretaker arrangements that sought to undermine the constitutionally recognised structure of the Party.
The decision was subsequently reinforced by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which affirmed the position of the recognised State Chairmen and State Executive Committees of the African Democratic Congress.
The Court of Appeal further dismissed the challenge brought against the recognised leadership, thereby strengthening the legal position of the duly recognised State structures of the Party.
Consequently, any administrative action by INEC or any other institution that disregards the recognised leadership and lawful structure of the ADC is unacceptable and will be challenged through the appropriate legal channels.
Court judgments are not suggestions. They are binding pronouncements of competent courts and must be respected and implemented by all relevant institutions.
ADC ZAMFARA DEMANDS CORRECTION WITHIN 72 HOURS
In view of the foregoing, the African Democratic Congress, Zamfara State Chapter, hereby formally demands that INEC:
1. Immediately withdraw and/or correct the published list of purported ADC candidates for Zamfara State;
2. Publish the authentic and duly submitted list of ADC candidates who emerged from the Party’s legitimate and monitored primaries;
3. Ensure that the names of the legitimate candidates produced through the recognised ADC primary process are accurately reflected in INEC’s records and official publications;
4. Remove any name published as an ADC candidate where such person did not emerge from the legitimate ADC primary election process;
5. Correct any administrative error, omission or misrepresentation responsible for the publication of the disputed list; and
6. Ensure full compliance with the relevant judgments of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal concerning the recognised leadership and lawful structure of the African Democratic Congress.
The ADC Zamfara State Chapter hereby gives INEC 72 hours from the date of this Press Release to take the necessary corrective action.
WE WILL DEFEND OUR MANDATE THROUGH LAWFUL MEANS
The ADC Zamfara State Chapter remains committed to peace, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
We shall not resort to self-help, violence or extra-judicial measures. However, our commitment to peace must not be interpreted as an acceptance of illegality or an abandonment of the democratic mandate entrusted to our candidates and members.
Should INEC fail to correct the disputed publication within the stipulated 72-hour period, the Party will take all necessary legal and constitutional steps, including approaching the appropriate courts, to compel compliance and protect the mandate of the legitimate candidates of the African Democratic Congress in Zamfara State.
We urge our candidates, members, supporters and the people of Zamfara State to remain calm and law-abiding.
ADC ZAMFARA REMAINS UNITED AND RESOLUTE
The ADC Zamfara State Chapter remains united under its recognised leadership and committed to protecting the integrity of the Party.
The current legal and administrative processes should not be misconstrued as division or weakness. Rather, they demonstrate our determination to ensure that the democratic rights of ADC members are protected and that the candidates legitimately chosen by the Party are not unlawfully replaced.
We reiterate that no political manoeuvring, administrative action or unauthorised intervention can legitimately override the constitutionally recognised structure of the African Democratic Congress or negate the valid mandate of its candidates.
INEC has a constitutional responsibility to conduct a credible electoral process and to maintain accurate records of political parties and their candidates. We therefore expect the Commission to act promptly, impartially and in accordance with the law.
The ADC Zamfara State Chapter calls on INEC, as a matter of urgency, to withdraw the disputed publication and publish the authentic list of ADC candidates duly produced through the Party’s recognised and monitored primaries in Zamfara State.
The Party will continue to defend democracy, justice, constitutionalism and the interests of the people of Zamfara State through every lawful avenue available to it.
ZAMFARA FIRST.
Signed:
HON. KABIRU GARBA
State Chairman
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Zamfara State Chapter
Statement from
COMRADE ABDULHAKEEM
UMAR
State Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Zamfara State Chapter
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