The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not allow the party to lose the 2027 elections in Zamfara State as a result of selfish interests, internal disagreements, or the pursuit of an improper process that produces candidates who do not meet the requirements of the electoral process.
This was expressed in a statement signed by Abdulkareem Umar
State Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Zamfara State Chapter and made available to Journalists in Gusau.
The candidates recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the platform of the ADC to contest the 2027 elections did not emerge from a valid and properly conducted primary election. They emerged through a leadership structure whose activities and congresses were not recognized or accepted by INEC.
Accordingly, under the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, any candidate who emerges without a valid congress and a genuine, transparent and properly conducted primary election may be challenged through the appropriate legal process and cannot automatically be regarded as having satisfied all the legal requirements for nomination.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zamfara State Chapter, under the leadership of Alhaji Kabiru Garba Gusau, firmly believes in due process, the rule of law, internal democracy, and strict compliance with the legal requirements governing party congresses and primary elections.
We will therefore explore and pursue all lawful avenues available to us to ensure that the proper process is followed and that the party remains on the right path.
Our objective is clear: ADC must not lose the 2027 elections in Zamfara State to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because of internal disputes, procedural violations or actions that undermine the legitimate structure of the party.
For the avoidance of doubt, the ADC Zamfara State Chapter does not recognize those currently parading themselves as candidates where their emergence did not comply with the valid and recognized party structure and applicable electoral procedures. Those individuals who continue to move around claiming to be ADC candidates, despite the ongoing legal and organizational issues, are acting outside the position of the recognized State leadership.
STATEMENT BY THE STATE PUBLICITY SECRETARY
As the State Publicity Secretary of the party further stated:
«“Most of those supporting this arrangement and believing in their approach are opposed to the rule of law and due process, which are necessary for producing legitimate candidates through fairness and transparency. They are interested only in securing opportunities, regardless of whether the proper procedures are followed, simply to impress their supporters and demonstrate that they have the ability to participate in political activities, even when such activities are unlawful or procedurally defective.
“They lack sufficient understanding of the rules and the importance of following the law in managing the affairs of a political party and complying with the provisions of the Electoral Act designed to ensure credible elections, democratic progress and the advancement of genuine party members.
“They have embraced a political faction based on an improper objective merely to satisfy their personal interests. This is not right, and we will not allow this situation of confusion, disorder and disregard for the rule of law to continue, Insha Allah.”»
In politics, what matters is adherence to the rules and guidelines established to produce a credible process that gives voters confidence and enables INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities under the law.
Political activities should not be driven by disorder, deception, impunity or unilateral declarations of legitimacy. Political parties must respect their constitutions, the Electoral Act, applicable court decisions and the legitimate rights of their members.
The ADC Zamfara State Chapter is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the rule of law and due process are upheld through the appropriate legal channels, and to ensure that legitimate candidates are properly positioned for the 2027 elections, regardless of how long the legal process may take.
We therefore call on all candidates and supporters under the leadership of Alhaji Kabiru Garba Gusau to remain patient, focused and committed to sensitising and mobilising voters. They should remain confident in the lawful process through which the party's candidates emerged and continue preparing for the 2027 elections in accordance with the ADC Constitution and applicable electoral laws.
We further reaffirm our commitment to the judgments and legal processes that have affirmed the legitimate leadership structure of the party, including the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on 29 April 2026 and the subsequent judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on 13 July 2026, subject to the precise terms and legal effect of those decisions.
Finally, it is our responsibility and obligation to ensure that INEC complies with applicable court judgments and all relevant legal requirements so that duly qualified and legitimately nominated candidates are properly recognized for the 2027 elections.
The ADC Zamfara State Chapter remains committed to democracy, justice, internal party discipline, due process and the collective interest of the people of Zamfara State.
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