ADC Chairman Denies Kwankwaso’s Membership, Raises Allegations of Political Interference.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline
Northern Bureau Chief
8th April 2026.
A fresh wave of political tension has emerged within Nigeria’s opposition landscape as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafi’u Bala, publicly rejected claims linking former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the party.
In a strongly worded statement, Bala dismissed assertions that Kwankwaso is a member of the ADC, insisting that at no point did the former presidential candidate formally declare interest in joining the party through recognized channels.
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“Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not a member of the ADC,” Bala stated. “There has been no official communication or engagement indicating his intention to join our party, even during our phone conversations.”
Bala emphasized that membership of the ADC is governed by a clearly defined constitutional process, which, according to him, Kwankwaso has not followed. He argued that without adherence to these procedures, no individual—regardless of political stature—can claim legitimacy within the party.
The ADC chairman further stressed that he holds no obligation to engage in political discussions with Kwankwaso regarding the party’s affairs, maintaining that such dialogue is reserved strictly for verified members.
In a more controversial turn, Bala accused Kwankwaso of attempting to infiltrate the ADC through backdoor arrangements allegedly linked to former Senate President, David Mark.
He suggested that Kwankwaso’s alleged move into the ADC may be part of a broader strategy to destabilize the party from within, particularly in the aftermath of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to power.
Bala also referenced past political events, recalling how northern leaders had once appealed to Kwankwaso to step aside for Atiku Abubakar during a presidential election, in order to avoid splitting northern votes. According to Bala, Kwankwaso refused, fueling speculation at the time that his candidacy served hidden political interests.
“These suspicions have not gone away,” Bala said. “Many Nigerians believed then—and still believe—that certain actions were taken to benefit rival political forces.”
The ADC chairman revealed that ongoing internal disputes over party leadership have already been taken to court. He claimed that judicial rulings at both lower courts affirmed his position as the legitimate national chairman.
Despite these victories, Bala lamented that dissenting factions continue to challenge his leadership, with the matter now reportedly heading to the Supreme Court.
“We have followed due process and obtained legal validation,” he said. “If anyone wishes to join the ADC, they must respect the constitution of the party and follow lawful procedures.”
Bala also criticized what he described as coordinated smear campaigns against his leadership, including allegations that he misuses state-like privileges such as traveling with convoys—claims he firmly denied.
Addressing generational tensions in Nigerian politics, Bala pushed back against remarks allegedly questioning his leadership based on age.
He noted that many established politicians, including Kwankwaso himself, began their political careers at relatively young ages.
“This is the time for a new generation of leadership,” Bala asserted. “Those who have had their time should step back and allow fresh voices to contribute.”
In a direct appeal, Bala urged Kwankwaso to reconsider his position and disengage from what he described as unnecessary political conflict.
He concluded with a pledge to uphold fairness and justice within the ADC, reiterating that the party remains open to new members—provided they follow its constitutional guidelines.
The African Democratic Congress is one of Nigeria’s opposition parties, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party, under which Kwankwaso contested the presidency, has been seeking to expand its influence amid shifting political alliances in the country.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 8TH 2026)
