Former Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, says the suspension of the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State sends a strong message on the party’s commitment to discipline and internal cohesion.
Abdullahi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Keffi Local Government Area of the state.
NAN reports that the ADC recently suspended its state chairman, Mr Godwin Alaku, over alleged anti-party activities considered detrimental to the unity and progress of the party.
Following the suspension, the party constituted a disciplinary committee to investigate the allegations.
Mr Idris Ojoko, the ADC State Publicity Secretary, said in a statement that the decision was taken after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Keffi.
Ojoko said the allegations against Alaku included his alleged refusal to recognise the ADC national leadership under Sen. David Mark.
He added that the suspended chairman was also accused of refusing to allow members of the coalition to be integrated into the party’s structure in the state, among other issues.
Speaking on the development, Abdullahi, a chieftain of the party in the state, said the suspension was aimed at strengthening the ADC and instilling discipline among its members.
He said the move was intended to prevent rancour and conflicts of interest that could undermine the party’s objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“When a leader exhibits some level of indiscipline, it is necessary for the party to investigate and ensure that things are put right.
“What we are doing is not to weaken the party, but to strengthen it through discipline, order and due process,” he said.
According to Abdullahi, the ADC will emerge as one of the most transparent, united and well-managed political parties in the country.
He commended the party’s leadership for setting up a transition leadership team led by a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Chief Michael Abdul, to strengthen its structures ahead of the 2027 polls.
“What you are seeing is a turning point for Nasarawa State.
“With these efforts, we are poised and determined to change the narrative in the state,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Deputy Chairman of the ADC, Mrs Patricia Akwashiki, said the suspended chairman had repeatedly refused to recognise the national leadership of the party.
Akwashiki, who is also a stakeholder of the party in Nasarawa, said she served as the chairperson of the reconciliation committee for the North-Central zone.
She said the situation in Nasarawa State was different from what obtained in other states in the zone.
“When someone does not recognise the leadership of his party, it becomes difficult to implement the agenda set by that leadership,” she said.
Akwashiki said efforts made to mediate in the matter were unsuccessful.
“I have been a member of the ADC for years and we know how it was then.
“So what reason do you have to stop people from coming in? This is where he got it wrong,” she said.
She advised the party’s Secretary, Barr. Paul Ajeh, who was appointed Acting State Chairman, to work hard to instil discipline and unite members ahead of the forthcoming elections.
