The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Elders Council in Kebbi State has rejected reports of a growing rift between the council and the governorship campaign of Abubakar Chika Malami, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Chairman of the council, Abubakar Udu, said the relationship between the elders and the Malami-led campaign remains cordial, insisting that there is no disagreement over the political understanding that brought members of the former Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) structure into the ADC.
Udu, who previously contested the Kebbi governorship election on the PRP platform, pointed to the continued involvement of his former running mate, Sani Tadurga, in Malami’s campaign structure as evidence of what he described as a healthy relationship.
Tadurga currently serves as the Director-General of the Malami campaign, according to Udu.
Udu Rejects Claims of Disagreement With Malami
Reacting to reports suggesting that the elders council had become dissatisfied with the Malami campaign, Udu dismissed the claims as the work of individuals seeking to create division within the party.
He argued that the continued collaboration between members of the former PRP structure and Malami’s campaign contradicted suggestions that the relationship had broken down.
“Those peddling the rumour are agents of mischief who delight in creating false narratives against a united party in the state,” Udu said.
He further questioned why his former running mate would remain a senior figure within Malami’s campaign if relations between the political groups had deteriorated.
The latest development comes days after The Bureau Journal reported on another dispute within the Kebbi ADC, involving three aggrieved aspirants who denied allegations that they were working against Malami or the party.
Elders Council Says Its Role Is Beyond Party Positions
Udu said the elders council was primarily interested in contributing to the success of the ADC at the polls rather than seeking political appointments or positions within the party structure.
According to him, the elders provide political guidance and useful input aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.
“As elders council, we provide useful inputs on the success of the party at the polls, not necessarily to occupy seats in the party,” he said.
His comments come as political parties across Kebbi and other parts of Nigeria intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with disputes over party structures, nominations and political alliances becoming increasingly prominent.
The Bureau Journal’s guide to the 2027 general elections provides broader context on the political realignments and electoral issues expected to shape the next national contest.
Udu Dismisses Defections as ‘Inconsequential’
The elders council chairman also responded to the reported defection of two young politicians who were associated with the former PRP structure before its political alignment with the ADC.
Udu described the individuals as insignificant to the wider political structure of the ADC in Kebbi, alleging that they were being sponsored by unnamed persons to make statements capable of creating confusion within the party.
He referred to them as “sponsored vocalists” and alleged that their activities were intended to portray divisions within the party where, according to him, none existed.
The allegations of sponsorship were made by Udu and were not independently established by The Bureau Journal.
Malami Campaign Faces Wider Political Attention
The dispute comes at a time when Malami’s political activities in Kebbi are attracting increasing attention ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abubakar Chika Malami is the ADC governorship candidate in Kebbi, while the party’s presidential ticket is held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku has recently intensified his policy messaging ahead of the elections, including a pledge to reopen Nigeria’s land borders and revive southern ports if elected.
The ADC’s political activities in Kebbi are also unfolding against the backdrop of continuing scrutiny of Malami’s political and legal affairs. The Bureau Journal previously reported on controversy surrounding the former Attorney-General’s ongoing trial and allegations of media bias, although those proceedings are separate from the current political disagreement.
Kebbi 2027 Contest Takes Shape
The latest claims and counterclaims illustrate the increasingly competitive political environment in Kebbi as parties build their structures ahead of 2027.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), meanwhile, has been consolidating its position in the state. APC stakeholders recently endorsed Governor Nasir Idris for another term, setting up a potentially competitive contest involving the ruling party and opposition platforms.
The Bureau Journal also recently published the emerging list of APC senatorial candidates for the 2027 elections, providing further context on the political preparations underway across Nigeria.
For the ADC elders council, however, Udu insists that reports of a breakdown in its relationship with Malami’s campaign do not reflect the current situation.
He maintained that the council remains committed to contributing to the party’s electoral success and dismissed the reported disagreements as attempts by political actors to create confusion within the emerging ADC structure in Kebbi.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor political developments within the ADC and other parties as Kebbi moves closer to the 2027 elections.
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