The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State is currently grappling with internal turmoil, as two distinct factions have emerged, each asserting their authority over the party’s operations. The opposing groups are spearheaded by Kabiru Garba Gusau and Shehu Muhammad Maisshanu Guluba, both of whom insist they are the rightful leaders of the ADC in the state.
Despite the ongoing leadership dispute, there is a consensus among the warring parties that Barrister Mahadi Aliyu Gusau remains the party’s official candidate for the upcoming governorship race, having secured victory in the ADC primary election. Speaking to reporters in Gusau, the state capital, Guluba sought to debunk rumors suggesting a change in the party’s candidate, labeling such claims as baseless and misleading. He firmly stated that Mahadi Aliyu Gusau continues to be the ADC flagbearer and urged members and supporters to ignore any contrary information.
Guluba further pointed fingers at unnamed individuals, accusing them of spreading falsehoods to incite confusion within the party ranks. In response, the faction aligned with Kabiru Garba Gusau maintained that he is the legitimately recognized state chairman of the ADC for Zamfara. According to this group, any move to acknowledge a different chairman violates the party’s constitution, as Gusau was duly elected through a proper process.
Gusau additionally asserted that his leadership has the backing of the party’s national secretariat, emphasizing that the congress which affirmed his position was conducted under the supervision of officials dispatched from the national headquarters. This development signals intensifying internal friction within the Zamfara ADC as the factions vie for dominance over the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the two sides remain entrenched in their positions regarding leadership, they have consistently voiced unified support for the party’s governorship candidate, Mahadi Aliyu Gusau.