The attention of the legitimate leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zamfara State Chapter, under the chairmanship of Hon. Kabiru Garba, has been drawn to a press statement purportedly signed by one Comrade Anas Haidara Kaura, in which he claims to speak on behalf of the ADC Zamfara State Chapter and seeks to dissociate the Party from a legitimate suit before the Federal High Court, Gusau.
The statement is not only misleading but also represents another attempt to create confusion regarding the legitimate leadership and legal status of the ADC in Zamfara State.
We therefore consider it necessary to put the following facts on record.
1. WHO SPEAKS FOR ADC ZAMFARA?
The leadership of ADC Zamfara State is not determined by press releases, social media publications or the personal declarations of individuals.
The State Chapter has recognised organs and elected officers whose legitimacy is subject to the Constitution of the Party and the judgments of competent courts.
Hon. Kabiru Garba remains the State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Zamfara State Chapter, and no press statement issued by an individual can lawfully remove or replace him.
Any person claiming otherwise should produce the constitutional instrument, party resolution or competent court order upon which such a claim is based.
2. THE COURTS HAVE ALREADY SPOKEN
It is important to remind the public that the controversy surrounding the leadership of ADC State Chapters has already been extensively litigated.
The Federal High Court judgment delivered on 29 April 2026 affirmed the legitimacy of the recognised State Working Committees and set aside purported congresses and caretaker arrangements that were inconsistent with the lawful structure of the Party.
The matter subsequently proceeded to the Court of Appeal, where attempts to overturn the recognised State leadership were unsuccessful.
Further decisions of the Court of Appeal also affirmed the position of the recognised State Chairmen and State Executive Committees.
These judicial pronouncements cannot be erased by a press statement.
Those who genuinely believe that the judgments have been overtaken, varied or set aside should present the relevant court order instead of attempting to determine the matter through media publications.
3. THE COURT ACTION IS LEGITIMATE
The assertion that Hon. Kabiru Garba was not authorised to institute or participate in legal proceedings concerning ADC Zamfara State is completely rejected.
Where the constitutional rights, leadership, candidates or interests of Party members are threatened, the lawful leadership has both the right and responsibility to seek judicial intervention.
The suit before the Federal High Court, Gusau, is therefore part of the lawful process of seeking judicial clarification and protection of the Party's rights.
Going to court is not an act of disloyalty to ADC. It is an exercise of constitutional and legal rights.
Indeed, it would be irresponsible for Party leaders to remain silent when issues affecting the Party are capable of having serious consequences for its members and candidates.
4. INEC PUBLICATION DOES NOT OVERRIDE COURT JUDGMENTS
We are equally concerned by the attempt to use the publication of names by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as though such publication, by itself, conclusively determines the internal leadership and legal disputes within ADC.
INEC is a constitutional institution, but its administrative actions remain subject to the Constitution and the decisions of competent courts.
Where there are binding judicial pronouncements concerning Party leadership and candidates, all relevant institutions and stakeholders are expected to give due regard to those decisions.
The proper interpretation and implementation of any court judgment is ultimately a matter for the appropriate legal and judicial processes—not political propaganda.
5. WE REJECT THE ATTEMPT TO CREATE A FALSE IMPRESSION OF NATIONAL SUPPORT
We also reject the attempt to invoke the name of the National Leadership of ADC as a shield against legitimate legal scrutiny.
The issue before the courts is not resolved by merely declaring allegiance to one individual or another.
The African Democratic Congress is governed by its Constitution, and every organ and officer of the Party is expected to operate within the limits of that Constitution.
Our loyalty is to ADC, its Constitution, its legitimate organs, its members and the democratic principles upon which the Party stands.
6. WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED
Let it be clearly understood that the legitimate leadership of ADC Zamfara State will not be intimidated, distracted or silenced by press statements, threats or attempts to create confusion.
We will continue to use every lawful and constitutional means available to defend the rights and interests of the Party and its members.
We have confidence in the Nigerian judiciary and will allow the courts to determine all matters properly brought before them.
If anyone disputes the authority or legitimacy of Hon. Kabiru Garba, the appropriate place to establish that claim is before a competent court—not through newspaper statements or social media declarations.
7. WARNING AGAINST IMPERSONATION AND UNAUTHORISED REPRESENTATION
We consequently advise all individuals, groups and organisations to exercise caution when dealing with persons claiming to represent ADC Zamfara State.
No individual or group acting outside the recognised Party structures has the authority to speak, negotiate, issue directives, institute or withdraw proceedings, or otherwise bind the ADC Zamfara State Chapter without lawful authority.
Where necessary, the Party will take appropriate legal steps against any person who impersonates its officers, falsely represents its structures or purports to act on behalf of the Party without authorisation.
8. OUR MESSAGE TO ADC MEMBERS
We call on all ADC members and supporters across the 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State to remain calm, disciplined and united.
The present controversy must not distract us from our responsibility to build a stronger ADC and prepare for the forthcoming elections.
We will continue to defend internal democracy, uphold the rule of law and protect the legitimate interests of ADC members and candidates.
The leadership of ADC Zamfara State will not engage in a war of personalities. Our response will remain based on facts, constitutional provisions, court records and the law.
CONCLUSION
For the avoidance of doubt, the purported statement attempting to dissociate ADC Zamfara State from the legitimate legal action before the Federal High Court, Gusau, does not represent the position of the recognised leadership of the ADC Zamfara State Chapter under Hon. Kabiru Garba.
We therefore urge the general public, INEC, security agencies, members of the diplomatic and development communities, Party members and all stakeholders to disregard misleading representations made by persons who lack the authority to speak for the recognised ADC Zamfara State leadership.
The leadership of ADC Zamfara State remains firmly committed to the rule of law.
The court will decide. The Constitution will prevail. And the truth will ultimately stand.
Statement from:
Hon. Abdulrahaman Umar
State Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Zamfara State Chapter
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