Crack in Sokoto ADC as two factions clash
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State is currently enmeshed in crisis as two factions lay claim to the authentic leadership of the party.
Although efforts to reconcile members have been initiated by the ADC national leadership, a viral video has sparked fresh controversy with both sides claiming being bonafide members of the party.
In the video, a former commissioner Akibu Dalhatu was allegedly shown abusing Umar Faruk Muhammad, the ADC State Chairman during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on March 25, 2026, in Abuja.
This has worsened the situation with the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Murtala Aliyu, saying in a statement that they would take disciplinary measures against Akibu Dalhatu.
The statement described the public display of the video as “deeply regrettable”, but not surprising.
According to the party spokesperson, Akibu Dalhatu has allegedly consistently demonstrated a lack of discipline, and exhibiting behaviours marked by disrespect and poor conduct.
Aliyu said such behaviour poses a serious threat to the unity, stability, and progress of the ADC in Sokoto State, a region widely known for its peace-loving, law-abiding, and dignified people.
”The issue arose following the NEC meeting during efforts to address internal challenges within the ADC in Sokoto State. Akibu Dalhatu proposed that reconciliation efforts be conducted in Abuja.
“However, the State Chairman, Umar Faruk, maintained that the national leadership should instead deploy representatives to Sokoto State, where inclusive engagement with stakeholders across the state and local government levels could be effectively undertaken.
“In disagreement with this position, Akibu Dalhatu verbally attacked, insulted, and publicly humiliated the State Chairman, Umar Faruk, and further escalated the matter by recording and sharing the incident on social media.”
According to the spokesperson, this act of misconduct will be met with appropriate disciplinary measures.
They also insisted that Dalhatu, who lays claim to the position of ADC national financial secretary, is not a bonafide member of the party..
“It is important to note that Akibu Dalhatu is not a fully recognized member of the party,” but just affiliated to a faction.
”The party also calls on him to publicly provide credible evidence to substantiate his claim that the State Chairman serves as a Special Adviser to the current APC-led government in Sokoto State.”
The Faruk-led ADC leadership warned Dalhatu to immediately desist from such actions, withdraw his statements, and issue a public apology or face legal action.
”The ADC Sokoto State Chapter remains committed to upholding discipline, unity, and democratic values within the party.”
However, the factional Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Isyaku Keegan said Faruk and others parading themselves as Sokoto State ADC leaders are neither bonafide members of the party nor recognised by the national leadership.
