Kaduna ADC: El-Rufai running one-man show, consults only his SDP remnants

Some stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna have accused Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of the state, of destabilising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

At a press conference on Saturday in Kaduna, Adamu Dattijo, who spoke on behalf of stakeholders across the 23 LGAs, said el-Rufai and his allies were engaging in “dangerous activities” that could weaken the ADC.

Dattijo alleged that el-Rufai, alongside his former aides Ja’afaru Sani and Bashir Sa’idu, was undermining the party’s structures in favour of personal loyalists.

He accused the former governor of sidelining the ADC leadership and replacing democratic engagement with what he described as an “autocratic style.”

“He runs a one-man show, taking decisions without consultation and holding meetings only with his personal loyalists, particularly SDP remnants, while sidelining the authentic ADC leadership and grassroots structures across the 23 LGAs of Kaduna,” the group said.

Dattijo described the method as “disrespectful and destructive” to the party’s future.

“A political party is built on inclusion, consultation, and loyalty to its structures — not on the whims of one individual or a few allies,” he said.

The group also accused el-Rufai of plotting to hijack political coalition efforts in Kaduna by inaugurating transition leaders across parties without involving the ADC leadership.

Dattijo said such plans were designed to impose “false leadership” on the ADC and “strip legitimate executives” of their authority.

“The action is part of a broader strategy to weaken the authority of the party executives and structures recognised by law and by the people,” he said.

He added that the activities of el-Rufai and his loyalists had already created deep divisions in the Kaduna chapter of the party.

“They have polarised the ADC/coalition line in Kaduna, alienated loyal members, and discouraged genuine stakeholders who have laboured for this party.

“Instead of building unity, they are building enmity. Instead of mobilising for 2027, they are scattering the house we have all built with sweat and sacrifice,” he said.

The group urged the national leadership of the ADC to step in and restore order.

“We urgently call on you to intervene without delay. You must call Malam Nasir el-Rufai and his co-travellers to order,” Dattijo said.

He also appealed to el-Rufai and his allies to “stop this reckless behaviour immediately” and respect the party’s leadership in Kaduna.