Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned what it described as the public humiliation and verbal attack on its State Chairman, Hon. Umar Faruk Muhammad, during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on 25 March 2026.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Murtala Aliyu, the party described the incident involving Akibu Dalhatu, who is identified as the party’s interim National Financial Secretary, as an act of gross indiscipline capable of undermining unity and stability within the party.
According to the statement, the confrontation occurred during deliberations at the NEC meeting on how to resolve internal issues affecting the ADC in Sokoto State.
The dispute reportedly began when Dalhatu proposed that reconciliation meetings among stakeholders from Sokoto State be held in Abuja. However, the State Chairman, Hon. Umar Faruk Muhammad, insisted that such engagements should instead take place in Sokoto to allow broader participation by party leaders and grassroots members across the state’s local government areas.
The Sokoto chapter maintained that the chairman’s position was guided by the need for inclusiveness and transparency in addressing the party’s internal challenges.
However, the discussion allegedly escalated when Dalhatu verbally attacked and publicly insulted the State Chairman during the meeting.
The situation was further aggravated when the incident was reportedly recorded and shared on social media platforms.
The Sokoto ADC leadership described the action as deeply regrettable and damaging to the image of the party, stressing that such conduct runs contrary to the principles of discipline and mutual respect expected of party leaders.
“This behaviour, marked by disrespect and poor conduct, poses a serious threat to the unity, stability and progress of the ADC in Sokoto State, a region widely known for its peace-loving, law-abiding and dignified people,” the statement noted.
The chapter also questioned Dalhatu’s status within the party structure, stating that he is not fully recognised as a legitimate member of the ADC in Sokoto State and remains affiliated with what it described as a political faction.
It further challenged Dalhatu to provide credible evidence to substantiate his allegation that the State Chairman currently serves as a Special Adviser to the APC-led government in Sokoto State.
Although the incident took place in Abuja, the Sokoto chapter stated that the matter would be addressed once Dalhatu returns to the state, where appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The party also demanded that Dalhatu immediately retract his statements and tender a public apology to the State Chairman through the media, warning that failure to do so may result in legal action.
Reaffirming its commitment to party discipline and democratic values, the ADC Sokoto State Chapter stressed that it would not tolerate actions capable of undermining unity or damaging the party’s reputation.
Political analysts say the controversy reflects the growing internal tensions within political parties across Nigeria as alignments and rivalries intensify ahead of future electoral contests.
