…Party accuses him of hijack plot, warns members to shun event
The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), in Kaduna State has disowned an “official inauguration ceremony” linked to former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, describing it as fraudulent, illegitimate, and of no consequence to the party.
In a strongly-worded statement issued yesterday, the party distanced itself from an event billed as the “Official Inauguration Ceremony of the Kaduna State APC, PDP, SDP, LP, NNPP to ADC Transition Committee”, initially scheduled for BAFRA Hotel, but later shifted to the NUT Endwell Hotel, Kaduna.
According to the state’s Publicity Secretary, Engr. Musa Idris, “The ADC in Kaduna State has no knowledge of, and is not part of this so-called inauguration. Neither the State Executive Committee of the ADC nor its recognised stakeholders across the 23 LGAs were consulted or involved”.
The party accused el-Rufa’i, alongside Hon. Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu, of running “a one-man show” aimed at hijacking the coalition process for personal and political interests.
According to the statement, el-Rufa’i has yet to formally register as an ADC member, despite previously assuring the state chairman, Elder Patrick Ambut, that he would do so after the by-elections. “He has continued to give excuses, while parading himself as our leader in Kaduna State”, Ambut was quoted as saying.
The ADC leadership alleged that the former governor has been sharing “strange” party positions with no basis in the party’s Constitution, branding such actions fraudulent.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the ADC in Kaduna State remains united under its duly recognized executive structure. The so-called inauguration is illegitimate and of no consequence. We urge all members, stakeholders, coalition partners and the public to disregard this gathering”, the statement stressed.
The party further called on the national leadership of the ADC to urgently intervene, warning that El-Rufai’s actions risk weakening party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The ADC is a party of structure, discipline, and collective leadership. We will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to undermine our structures or derail our preparations,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, suspected thugs yesterday disrupted the ADC event in Kaduna, leaving several supporters injured and properties vandalised.
Viral videos circulating online show the attackers storming the venue, which was decorated in ADC colours, and assaulting participants.
Photos from the scene also revealed party members with varying degrees of injuries.
The incident comes weeks after opposition politicians formally adopted the ADC as the platform for a united front against the ruling party. Among key figures in the coalition is former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i.
