Sokoto ADC Exco Insists Faruk Remains Chairman, Rejects Isiyaku’s Return

The leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State took a fresh twist yesterday as the State Executive Committee reaffirmed Hon. Umar Muhammad Faruk as its authentic chairman and dismissed moves to reinstate Bello Isiyaku.

Addressing reporters at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Sokoto, the State Secretary, Yusuf Abdulkadir Alkali, recalled that Isiyaku was suspended ahead of the 2023 general elections following controversies over his governorship ambition under the party.

He stressed that the party’s national leadership, led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, ratified Faruk’s position during its 2022 national convention in Zaria, making Isiyaku’s claim to leadership “illegal and unconstitutional.”

“At our last meeting, 18 out of 25 exco members voted in favour of reaffirming Hon. Umar Muhammad Faruk as chairman. The attempt to smuggle Bello Isiyaku back into the structure is not only unconstitutional but also unacceptable,” Alkali declared.

The secretary accused some unnamed party elders of sponsoring division in the chapter but maintained that Sokoto ADC remains united under Faruk and loyal to the national leadership.

“The state exco has unanimously resolved to reject Bello Isiyaku’s claim and reaffirm our loyalty to Hon. Umar Muhammad Faruk,” he added.