The Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected what it describes as imposed leadership on its mobilisation committee, escalating an internal party dispute and threatening legal action over appointments made without proper consultation.
State party officials have denounced the appointments as undemocratic and a violation of the party’s constitution, arguing that the leadership positions were forced upon the chapter by external forces without following established procedures for selecting committee members. The controversy has exposed deepening fault lines within the party’s Sokoto structure ahead of upcoming political activities.
According to sources within the Sokoto ADC, the disputed appointments were announced without input from grassroots members or the state executive committee, bypassing democratic processes that should govern internal party affairs. Leaders of the state chapter have described the move as an affront to party members who have worked tirelessly to build the organization in Sokoto.
The state chapter has given party leadership an ultimatum to reverse the appointments or face legal proceedings aimed at nullifying what they consider illegitimate decisions. Party chieftains argue that allowing such impositions to stand would set a dangerous precedent that undermines internal democracy and discourages genuine party members from participating in organizational activities.
The mobilisation committee plays a crucial role in coordinating voter registration, campaign activities, and member recruitment, making control over its leadership particularly significant as parties position themselves for future elections. The dispute over who leads this committee reflects broader struggles for influence and control within the party structure.
Supporters of the state chapter’s position have emphasized that grassroots democracy must be respected if the party hopes to maintain credibility with members and the broader electorate. They argue that leaders imposed from above lack the legitimacy and local knowledge necessary to effectively mobilize voters and build the party’s presence in Sokoto.
However, some party members have defended the appointments, suggesting they were made in the interest of bringing fresh perspectives and resolving previous organizational challenges. These voices argue that the state chapter should focus on unity and working together rather than engaging in internal conflicts that could weaken the party.
The ADC national leadership has not yet issued an official response to the Sokoto chapter’s rejection and legal threats, though informal communications suggest efforts are underway to mediate the dispute and find a compromise that addresses concerns from all sides.
Political observers note that internal party disputes of this nature are not uncommon in Nigerian politics, particularly when parties are preparing for electoral contests. However, they warn that failure to resolve such conflicts quickly can undermine party cohesion and electoral prospects, as members become disillusioned and potentially defect to rival parties.
The Sokoto ADC controversy also highlights broader challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria as they seek to build strong, democratic internal structures that can serve as alternatives to the major established parties. How this dispute is resolved could have implications for party credibility and organizational strength.
Legal experts consulted on the matter have indicated that party members do have constitutional rights to challenge appointments they believe violate party constitutions or democratic principles. Courts have previously intervened in internal party disputes where proper procedures were not followed, though such cases can be time-consuming and divisive.
As the standoff continues, there are concerns that prolonged internal conflict could distract from the party’s efforts to expand its base and prepare for upcoming elections. Some party stakeholders have called for urgent dialogue to prevent the dispute from escalating further and causing permanent damage to party unity in Sokoto State.
The state chapter has maintained that its position is not about personalities but about defending democratic principles within the party. Leaders insist they remain committed to the ADC and its ideals, but that this commitment requires standing firm against undemocratic practices regardless of where they originate.
