Tijjani remains ADC Kaduna Chair as party rejects dissident

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The legitimate leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has disowned a purported state congress organized by Mr. Patrick Ambut, declaring it invalid, void, and without legal standing.
In a press statement issued on May 7, 2026, the chapter, led by Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Ahmed, stated that the action by a self-proclaimed group claiming to be “ADC party members and stakeholders” was a desperate attempt to cause confusion and mislead the public.
The statement emphasized that Mr. Ambut was expelled from the party in 2022 for anti-party activities and serious misconduct. Although he was pardoned in 2025 to foster inclusivity during the formation of the ADC Coalition, he was expelled again on April 14, 2026, by the proper party authorities for the same reasons.
The chapter cited Article 9.4 of the ADC Constitution, which states that an expelled member forfeits all rights and privileges of membership and cannot hold any office unless the National Executive Committee officially reverses the expulsion. “As of today, no such reversal has occurred. An expelled member cannot be presented as a leader. You cannot establish legitimacy on a void,” the statement read.
It further argued that the group and Ambut lack the constitutional authority to appoint officers or conduct state congresses, describing their actions as impersonation and factionalism. Such conduct, it said, violates Article 9.6 of the ADC Constitution, which defines factionalism as an anti-party activity punishable by expulsion.
The chapter is also based on the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. While Section 40 guarantees freedom of association, Section 223(1) mandates internal democracy within political parties, including the election of officers. Section 222(e) also requires party constitutions to provide for regular elections, not imposition by dissidents.
Citing judicial cases such as _INEC v. Musa (2003)_ and _PDP v. Sylva (2012)_, the statement asserted that only leadership recognized by the party’s highest organ can act on its behalf. It reaffirmed that the Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Ahmed-led State Executive Committee remains the only official structure in Kaduna since 2022, and Ahmed was the recognized party chairman during the 2023 elections.
“For now, the ADC State Chairmen will remain in office until the expiration of their tenure on May 14, 2026,” the statement concluded.
The Kaduna State Executive reaffirmed its loyalty to the national leadership of ADC under Senator David Mark and pledged ongoing commitment to discipline, internal democracy, and adherence to the rule of law.