A fresh political crisis has engulfed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State following the reelection of Hon. Kabiru Hussaini Na-Rungo as state chairman and the expulsion of several prominent party figures accused of organizing parallel congresses.
Na-Rungo emerged for another four-year term during the party’s state congress held on Thursday after members of the State Working Committee unanimously endorsed a new executive council following ward congresses conducted across the state.
The development has intensified factional tensions within the party as rival blocs battle for control of the ADC structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists after the congress, Na-Rungo declared himself the constitutionally recognized chairman of the party in Jigawa State and insisted the exercise was conducted under the authority of a valid court order.
“First of all, my name is Honorable Kabiru Hussaini Na-Rungo, the substantive State Party Chairman of ADC in Jigawa State,” he said.
According to him, the court had nullified earlier congresses allegedly conducted by rival stakeholders, describing them as illegal and lacking constitutional backing.
“It is the court that gave us the audacity to conduct these congresses. Previously, there was a congress organized through political shenanigans, but the court ruled that those people have no legal standing to organize congresses,” he stated.
Na-Rungo maintained that his faction remained the legitimate leadership recognized to conduct party affairs in the state.
Other officials elected during the congress include Zakari Ismaila Maaji as State Secretary, Hussaini Rabiu Auta as Publicity Secretary and Aliyu Safiyanu as Youth Leader.
The ADC chairman also disclosed that the party formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders before conducting the congress.
The political atmosphere became more tense after Na-Rungo announced the expulsion of several prominent figures accused of organizing what he repeatedly described as “kangaroo congresses.”
Those affected include Senator Sabo Nakudu, Bashir Adamu Jumbo, Ali Gantsa and Abba Anas Laushi.
“I expelled Bashir Adamu Jumbo. I expelled Senator Sabo Nakudu. I expelled Ali Gantsa. I expelled Babangida Laushi and all those who organized the previous kangaroo congress,” he declared.
He also reaffirmed the expulsion of the party’s former governorship candidate, saying the decision had remained in force since 2023.
Although Na-Rungo stopped short of expelling former Deputy Governor Ahmad Mahmoud Gumel, he said the elder statesman would merely be ignored politically out of respect for his status and age.
The reelected chairman accused rival stakeholders of attempting to hijack the party structure after joining coalition groups positioning for the 2027 elections.
“They came and met me in this party, and now they wanted to destroy me politically and sideline me,” he alleged.
Despite the deepening internal divisions, Na-Rungo urged loyal party members to remain united and committed to strengthening the ADC ahead of future elections.
Political observers believe the escalating crisis could significantly reshape opposition politics in Jigawa State as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Security presence was visibly heightened throughout the congress venue, with plain-clothes operatives and uniformed personnel deployed to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Jigawa ADC Crisis Deepens as Na-Rungo Secures Fresh Mandate, Expels Rivals
