Crisis rocks the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna state, as party has produced two separate senatorial candidates for the Kaduna-Central senatorial district, raising fresh concerns over deepening divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Information gathered revealed that former lawmaker, Senator Musa Bello, emerged as the candidate of one faction of the party, while the incumbent lawmaker representing the district, Senator Lawal Adamu (aka Mr. La), was reportedly declared candidate by a rival faction.
The development has created uncertainty among party members and supporters across Kaduna State, with both camps insisting that their respective candidates emerged through legitimate processes conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
Sources disclosed that parallel exercises were allegedly conducted by competing factions, resulting in the emergence of different candidates for the same senatorial seat. Each group has continued to lay claim to the authentic mandate,
further fueling tensions within the party.
Some members interviewed described the situation as a major setback for the ADC, particularly in Kaduna Central, regarded as one of the most politically strategic senatorial districts in the state.The district comprises 7 LGAs — Kaduna-North, Kaduna-South, Igabi, Chikun, Giwa, Kajuru and Birnin-Gwari — making it a critical battleground in the state’s political landscape.
Party stakeholders have expressed fears that the unresolved dispute could significantly weaken the ADC’s prospects in Kaduna-Central, where the party is expected to challenge established political forces, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
“The emergence of parallel candidates sends a negative signal to voters and may undermine the party’s growing support base in the state,” a party source who requested anonymity said.
The crisis comes amid increasing political realignments across Kaduna State, with several politicians reportedly exploring new alliances and platforms ahead of the next electoral cycle.
As of press time, officials of the party had yet to issue a comprehensive statement clarifying the status of the two claimants. However, sources within the ADC disclosed that consultations were ongoing among key stakeholders to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a prolonged legal and political battle.
Some party members argued that the emergence of multiple claimants to the same senatorial ticket reflects broader leadership and organisational challenges that have recently affected the ADC at the national level. The party has in recent years witnessed internal disagreements and legal tussles over its leadership structure, issues that critics say continue to affect its cohesion.
Meanwhile, political watchers across Kaduna State are closely monitoring developments, as the eventual resolution of the controversy is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Kaduna-Central senatorial contest and the broader opposition strategy in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
