Confusion and tension have surfaced within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State after the party’s official congress committee disowned a separate exercise conducted by some members.
Speaking to journalists, the committee chairman, Atiku Abubakar-Saleh, made it clear that the earlier congress held in the state was not recognised by the party.
“Our committee was duly constituted… to conduct credible and transparent congresses,” he said, insisting that any parallel gathering lacked legitimacy.
According to him, the party had already outlined a clear timetable — with ward and local government congresses scheduled for Wednesday, and the state congress set for Thursday.
For party members, the issue goes beyond scheduling.
It is about control, process, and trust.
Abubakar-Saleh stressed that only committees approved by the party’s National Working Committee are authorised to conduct congresses, warning that any other exercise is “null, void and of no consequence.”
Behind the strong words is a growing concern about internal unity.
He described the unauthorised congress as an attempt to undermine the party’s structure and democratic process — a move that could deepen divisions if not addressed.
He also called on members and stakeholders to stay away from unofficial activities and urged security agencies to remain alert to any attempts to disrupt order.
As the official congress dates approach, the situation in Katsina reflects a broader pattern within the party — where parallel structures and competing claims continue to test its internal stability.
For now, the message from the committee is firm:
Only one process is recognised — and anything outside it does not count.