The Bauchi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been engulfed in internal crisis following allegations that certain individuals were hired to foment unrest within the party.
The state chairman, Hassan Haruna, made the allegation on Sunday while addressing a news conference in Bauchi. He dismissed reports circulating in some quarters that he had been suspended from office.
Haruna described the claims as a deliberate move by impostors and disgruntled elements aimed at undermining the party’s rising influence and popularity in the state.
The controversy followed a press briefing by a group that claimed to have suspended the Bauchi ADC chairman over alleged anti-party activities. Haruna, however, maintained that the purported suspension was unconstitutional and inconsistent with the party’s rules and core values.
According to him, his emergence as chairman was through a duly conducted state congress recognised by the national leadership of the party, a situation akin to all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The chairman said there were laid-down constitutional procedures for disciplining or removing party officials, which, he said, were not duly followed.
Haruna alleged that the individuals behind the suspension claim were acting as paid agents bent on causing confusion and internal crisis within the party.
“Aminu Muhammad, who was the chairman of the party in Bauchi LGA, is an expelled member, while Babayo Musa Garba remains suspended. Their suspension is contained in letters dated January 2.
“The ADC in Bauchi State has duly recognised executives across all the 20 local government areas,” Haruna revealed.
The chairman urged all party members and the general public to disregard statements credited to self-acclaimed impostors.
He added that the ADC coalition was open to all Nigerians who shared the party’s vision of strengthening democracy and alleviating citizens’ hardships.
Haruna urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take note of the situation, while assuring party members of unity and continued commitment to democratic principles.