Kebbi ADC crisis deepens as court remands factional chairman

By Johnson Arua

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State took a dramatic turn on Monday as a Magistrate Court in Birnin Kebbi ordered the remand of a factional state chairman, Sufyanu Bala, over alleged contempt of court.

Presiding Magistrate Abubakar Koko directed that Bala be held in custody pending the hearing of his bail application, which has been fixed for Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The case was instituted by a rival faction of the party seeking to restrain Bala from parading himself as the ADC State Chairman.

Counsel to the complainant, Barrister Garba Abubakar Shehu, who appeared for factional chairman Abdulrazaq Abubakar Iko, told the court the action was necessary to enforce compliance with an earlier court order.

“Our application is rooted in the need to uphold the authority of the court. The defendant has continued to act in defiance of subsisting orders,” Shehu argued.

However, defence counsel, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Fingilla, challenged the jurisdiction of the court, maintaining that the matter was already before a High Court.

“This honourable court cannot assume jurisdiction over a matter already before the High Court. The alleged contempt did not originate here, and as such, these proceedings are fundamentally flawed,” Fingilla submitted.

Despite the objection, Magistrate Koko ruled that the matter would proceed and subsequently adjourned the case for further hearing.

Reacting to the development, Bala—who is reportedly backed by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami—alleged political interference, accusing the rival faction of colluding with the state government to destabilise the party.

“Yes, the magistrate ordered my arrest and detention, but after today’s hearing, the case was adjourned till tomorrow.

Under the constitution, the magistrate has no jurisdiction to entertain the case. The state government is behind it. They don’t want us to be on the ballot, but we will pursue this to a logical conclusion,” he said.

On his part, Abdulrazaq Abubakar Iko insisted that the legal action became necessary due to Bala’s alleged disregard for a subsisting court order restraining him from presenting himself as the party’s state chairman.

The ADC in Kebbi State has been engulfed in a protracted leadership dispute, with parallel factions laying claim to control of the party structure.

The crisis, believed to be linked to political realignments ahead of future elections, has resulted in conflicting court orders, parallel congresses, and deepening divisions within the party.

Observers warn that the latest court ruling may further complicate reconciliation efforts, as both factions continue to seek legitimacy through legal channels.