Kebbi Govt Denies Role in ADC Leadership Crisis

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The Kebbi State Government has distanced itself from the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, dismissing allegations linking it to a court case involving two factional chairmen.

In a press statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the government has no affiliation with the ADC and is not involved in its internal disputes.

The statement was a response to reports published by some national newspapers alleging that the state government was behind the legal battle between the rival factional leaders of the party.

“Our attention has been drawn to publications alleging that the Kebbi State Government is behind the court case between two factional ADC chairmen. We categorically state that the government is neither a member of the ADC nor has any affiliation with the party,” the statement said.

According to the government, the ADC has been grappling with a prolonged leadership tussle, which eventually led to the current court action, with both factions laying claim to the party’s leadership in the state.

The statement also criticized the reports, accusing their authors of breaching journalistic ethics by presenting what it described as a one-sided account of the matter. It further suggested that such reporting could amount to contempt of court.

“Investigations reveal that the authors of the story were not present in court, yet proceeded to publish a one-sided account that lacks fairness, balance, and professionalism,” it added.

The government urged journalists to adhere strictly to ethical standards in carrying out their duties, emphasizing the need for accuracy and objectivity.

It also questioned the basis of allegations made by one of the factional chairmen, who reportedly accused the state government of influencing the court process.

“This is not an APC affair but an internal dispute within the ADC, which should be resolved through the party’s internal mechanisms rather than making unfounded accusations,” the statement noted.

The dispute involves two factional ADC chairmen in Kebbi State — Abdulrasak Abubakar and Safiyyanu Bala. Abubakar is said to have dragged his rival before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Birnin Kebbi over alleged contempt of court.

The case remains one of several developments stemming from the protracted leadership crisis within the party in the state.