Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The lingering leadership tussle within the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has finally been resolved, with the majority of the state executive members declaring Honourable Umar Muhammad Faruk as the authentic chairman.
At a press conference on Sunday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists press center in Sokoto, 18 out of the 25 state executive committee members unanimously rejected the claim of Honourable Bello Isiyaku, popularly known as Kigan, insisting that he ceased to function as chairman following his suspension in 2022.
Speaking on behalf of the executives, State Secretary Yusuf Abdulkadir Alkali said the decision reflected the collective will of the party’s leadership structure in Sokoto.
He emphasized that Faruk’s appointment was legitimate, having been ratified by the ADC’s national leadership under Chief Ralph Nwosu during the party’s 2022 convention in Zaria.
Alkali explained that the crisis deepened after Isiyaku abandoned his position to contest the governorship under the ADC ticket, later breaching Article 7 of the party’s constitution—an infraction that led to his suspension in 2023.
According to him, a coalition of party elders endorsed Isiyaku’s removal, further cementing Faruk’s recognition as the rightful chairman.
“The executives have resolved that Honourable Umar Muhammad Faruk remains the authentic chairman of the ADC in Sokoto State.
“Bello Isiyaku no longer holds that position,” Alkali declared.
He called on all members across the state to rally behind Faruk to restore unity and reposition the party for greater strength.
