Sokoto factional ADC Chairman reaffirms Hon. Zaki Tambuwal as governoship candidate
Sokoto factional ADC Chairman reaffirms Hon. Zaki Tambuwal as governoship candidate
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The factional Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Umar Faruk, on Thursday formally reaffirmed the recognition of Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal as the authentic, duly nominated and legitimate governorship candidate of the party in Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a news conference on Thursday in Sokoto, Faruk said that the position followed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which nullified the processes that led to the emergence of the David Mark-led national leadership of the party, including the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate and the nominations of candidates who emerged under the affected leadership structure.
In the light of the significant judicial development, the Sokoto State factional Chapter said it considered it necessary to put its position beyond doubt and address growing concerns, misconceptions and competing claims regarding the authentic leadership and legitimate candidates of the party in the state.
The chapter stated that its position remains clear and consistent, that the leadership of the ADC under Nafiu Bala represents the leadership structure under which its candidates emerged, and all candidates nominated under his leadership remain valid and recognised by the chapter.
“Consequently, Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal remains the duly nominated governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State,” he added .
The chapter categorically stated that Manir Muhammad Dan Iya is not the governorship candidate recognised by the chapter under the Nafiu Bala-led leadership.
The party maintained that the legitimacy of political offices and candidacies within any political party cannot be determined by personal interests, political influence or unilateral declarations, but must be rooted in lawful processes and the party’s constitution.
The Sokoto ADC reiterated that all candidates who emerged through the Nafiu Bala-led leadership remain its recognised candidates.
It described the court’s decision as an important development in the ongoing efforts to restore order, constitutionalism and internal democracy within the party.
Faruk added, ‘”It is the expectation of the chapter that all party members and stakeholders will respect the implications of the judgment and conduct themselves in accordance with the rule of law.”
It equally cautioned against attempts to create confusion among party members and the electorate through misleading claims, unauthorised political announcements or the presentation of individuals as candidates of the party without recognition under the legitimate leadership structure.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the chapter said it stands firmly behind Hon. Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal and remains committed to protecting his political mandate as the party’s governorship candidate in Sokoto State,” Faruk added
The State chapter of the party also extended its heartfelt congratulations to Nafiu Bala following the Federal High Court judgment, describing the development as a significant victory for justice, democratic principles and the rule of law.
According to the chapter, the judgment represents an important step towards resolving the leadership challenges confronting the party and restoring confidence among members who have remained committed to its constitutional provisions and established democratic processes.
The factional ADC in Sokoto commended Nafiu Bala for his determination to pursue the matter through lawful means, stressing that the court’s intervention demonstrates the importance of judicial institutions in protecting democratic values and ensuring accountability within political organisations.
While celebrating the development, the Chapter called on all party members, supporters, stakeholders and loyalists across the state to remain calm, united and steadfast.
The party leadership in Sokoto State urged members to avoid unnecessary confrontations, inflammatory statements and actions capable of undermining the unity and reputation of the ADC.
It also encouraged supporters at the grassroots to continue mobilising, strengthening party structures and engaging communities in constructive political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The chapter said its commitment to the people of Sokoto State remains unwavering, adding that politics should be driven by ideas, accountability, competence, integrity and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
The Sokoto State factional Chapter of the ADC said it remains determined to strengthen its organisational structures, deepen grassroots engagement and provide an inclusive platform for Nigerians who desire democratic accountability.
