NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: A coalition of concerned members and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress(ADC) in Kaduna State has faulted former Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and his allies over alleged efforts to hijack the party in the state

The stakeholders accused Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, alongside Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu, for engaging in divisive and authoritarian tactics that threatens the very survival of the ADC in the state. adding that, if not checked, would “sabotage the collective project of building a united ADC” capable of winning elections and bringing change to Kaduna.

Representing concerned ADC members, coalition partners, and stakeholders in the 23 LGAs in the state, the group alleged plan by El-Rufa’i and his co- travellers to organize an official inauguration of the transition of the Coalition across political parties in Kaduna State. thus describing the move as, “fraudulent, illegitimate, and dead on arrival,” as it’s a calculated attempt to sideline the legitimate party executive and impose themselves as sole leaders of the coalition movement.

Addressing a press conference, Hon Adamu Ahmed Dattijo, onbehlf of the coalition,  at the NUJ press Centre, Kaduna, on Saturday,  the group called for quick intervention by the party’s national leadership.

Lamenting further the group noted that instead of fostering collective leadership, El-Rufa’i runs a “one-man show.” They accused him of refuse to recognize the duly elected Kaduna State ADC Executive Committee, making decisions without consultation, and holding meetings only with his personal loyalists, particularly described as “SDP remnants,” while ignoring the authentic party leadership and grassroots structures.

They highlighted the damaging impact of these activities, noting that they have already “caused serious division in our ranks.” The stakeholders warned that El-Rufa’i’s approach has polarized the party, alienated loyal members, and risks leading the ADC into the 2027 elections as a “divided and weakened party,” resulting in a “total loss” of the goodwill and strength it currently enjoys.

The coalition however appealed on the National Leadership of the ADC to “intervene without delay.” demanded that the national body call El-Rufa’i and his associates to order, protect the party’s unity in Kaduna, and affirm that all state activities must be channeled through the legitimate party structures, asserting that “no individual… is bigger than the party.”

The stakeholders also called on their members and supporters across Kaduna State to”remain calm, vigilant, and committed” and to reject any “parallel structures or illegal gatherings.” They urged them to stand firm with the authentic State Executive, reinforcing that the party belongs to its members and not to a select few individuals.

The coalition also called on Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, Ja’afaru Sani, and Bashir Sa’idu, to “stop this reckless behavior immediately.” urging them to respect the party’s structures, work with coalition stakeholders, and prioritize the interest of the party and Kaduna State above personal ambitions, adding that unity and respect for party structures are paramount for victory in 2027.

” Recent developments have compelled us to speak with one voice and to alert the national leadership of our party and the general public about the activities of certain individuals who, instead of strengthening the ADC, are bent on dividing and weakening it ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The individuals at the center of this dangerous development are Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, Ja’ afaru Sani, and Bashir Sa’idu. Their actions are threatening the stability of our party in Kaduna State, and if not checked immediately, they will sabotage the collective project of building a united ADC that can win elections and bring real change to our people.”

The group said, “Instead of promoting collective leadership and coalition building, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has chosen the path of arrogance and imposition. He has refused to recognize or acknowledge the duly elected Kaduna State ADC Executive Committee and other respected stakeholders of our party.

“He runs a one-man show, taking decisions without consultation, and holding meetings only with his personal loyalists, particularly SDP remnants, while sidelining the authentic ADC leadership and grassroots structures across the 23 Local Governments of Kaduna State.

“This is not only disrespectful, but it is also destructive. A political party is built on inclusion, consultation, and loyalty to its structures—not on the whims of one individual or a few allies.

“We are aware of plans being perfected by El-Rufa’i and his co-travelers, Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Saidu, to organize what they are calling the “official inauguration of the transition of the Coalition across political parties in Kaduna State.” Let it be clearly stated here today: this so-called inauguration is fraudulent, illegitimate, and dead on arrival.

“Why? Because it does not involve the real ADC leadership and stakeholders from the 23 Local Governments of Kaduna State. Instead, it is another attempt to hijack the coalition process, impose themselves as sole leaders, and weaken the authority of the party executives and structures that are recognized by law and by the people.
We will never accept such a charade.”

According to coalition “The activities of El-Rufa’i, Ja’afaru Sani, and Bashir Sa’idu have already caused serious division in our ranks. They have polarized the ADC/Coalition line in Kaduna, alienated loyal members, and discouraged genuine stakeholders who have labored for this party. Instead of building unity, they are building enmity.

“Instead of mobilizing for 2027, they are scattering the house we have all built with sweat and sacrifice. If this continues, we risk going into the 2027 elections as a divided and weakened party-and the result will be disastrous: a total loss of the goodwill, strength, and opportunities that the ADC currently enjoys in Kaduna State.

“In light of the above, we the concerned ADC members, coalition partners, and stakeholders across the 23 LGAs of Kaduna State urgently call on the National leadership  to intervene without delay.

“You must call Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and his co-travelers to order. You must protect the unity of our party in Kaduna State by ensuring that all activities in the state are carried out through the legitimate ADC leadership and structures.

“The ADC at national level must make it clear that no individual, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the party.

“We want to reiterate that we are not against  anyone’s political ambition. What we oppose is the hijack of our party by a few individuals who have no respect for structures, unity, and democratic principles.

“If we must win 2027, then unity, discipline, and respect for party structures must come first. We therefore call on the national leadership to act swiftly before the situation gets out of hand. Together, we can protect our party, strengthen our coalition, and deliver victory in 2027”.the coalition added.