Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State as party members have formally petitioned the national leadership, urging it to block any move that could see former Senator Sabo Nakudu emerge as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The petition, submitted by members from Gwaram Local Government Area, warned that allegations previously published in connection with an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) could become a major electoral liability for the party if not addressed.
Jointly signed by Abubakar Sani (ADC Membership Card No. JI-GWA-GW-71427) and Ibrahim Mai Jama’a (ADC Membership Card No. JI-GWA-GW-218332), the petition called on the party’s National Chairman and National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct a thorough review of Senator Nakudu’s political suitability before the 2027 governorship race gathers momentum.
Nakudu represented Jigawa South-West Senatorial District between 2015 and 2023 and recently contested the ADC governorship primary alongside Hon. Bashir Adamu, popularly known as Matawallen Kazaure.
The petition cited media reports arising from an ICPC investigation into constituency projects, alleging that about ₦2.8 billion was recovered from Senator Nakudu and two other lawmakers. It also referred to reports claiming that two Toyota Hilux vehicles, water pumping machines, motorcycles and drilling rigs allegedly linked to companies associated with the former senator were recovered during the investigation.
The petitioners referenced a Premium Times report published on April 12, 2022, titled “Constituency Projects: How Kebbi, Jigawa, Taraba Senators Robbed Constituents, Cornered Huge Contracts – Report,” as well as another report published on April 25, 2022, headlined “ICPC Indicts Bwacha, Nakudu, Others Over Constituency Projects.” They also noted that public affairs analyst Dr. Reuben Abati commented publicly on the matter at the time.
According to the petition, although the reports remain in the public domain, they have continued to generate concerns among party members who fear that opposition parties could exploit them during the 2027 governorship campaign.
The petitioners argued that the ADC has positioned itself as a credible alternative to the ruling APC in Jigawa State and should therefore ensure that all aspirants undergo comprehensive integrity checks before being entrusted with the party’s ticket.
They maintained that presenting candidates burdened by unresolved public controversies could weaken the party’s message of accountability, transparency and good governance.
Describing the 2027 governorship election as a defining moment for the ADC in Jigawa, the petition urged the party leadership to place its long-term electoral prospects above individual ambitions.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Sabo Nakudu had not responded to the allegations raised in the petition. The ADC national leadership had also not issued any official statement on the matter.