2027: Sokoto ADC Faction Rejects Dan’Iya, Insists Zaki Tambuwal Is Its Governorship Candidate

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State has reaffirmed Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal as its recognised governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, rejecting the candidacy of former Deputy Governor Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya.

The factional State Chairman, Umar Faruk, made the position known while addressing journalists in Sokoto on the implications of a recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja concerning the party’s national leadership and candidate nominations.

Faruk said the Sokoto chapter recognised the leadership structure headed by Nafiu Bala, under which Tambuwal emerged as the party’s governorship candidate.

He declared that Tambuwal remained the duly nominated candidate of the ADC in the state, insisting that Dan’Iya was not recognised by the faction.

The chairman said the chapter’s position was based on its interpretation of the court judgment and the party’s constitutional procedures.

According to him, the legitimacy of party leadership and political candidacies should be determined through lawful and constitutional processes rather than personal interests, political influence or unilateral declarations.

The faction also congratulated Nafiu Bala on the court decision, describing it as an important development in efforts to resolve the leadership crisis within the ADC.

Faruk said the judgment offered an opportunity to restore constitutionalism, internal democracy and order within the party.

He urged party members, supporters and stakeholders across Sokoto State to remain calm and avoid actions or statements capable of creating confusion or worsening divisions within the party.

The factional chairman also cautioned against unauthorised political announcements and unnecessary confrontations over the party’s leadership and candidates.

He called on supporters at the grassroots to strengthen party structures, mobilise members and intensify community engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development highlights the continuing divisions within the ADC over its national leadership and the validity of candidates who emerged under different leadership structures.

The Federal High Court ruling has also generated uncertainty over the party’s national political arrangements, with competing positions emerging among its stakeholders.

The Sokoto faction, however, maintained that Zaki Muhammad Tambuwal remained its recognised governorship candidate under the Nafiu Bala-led leadership.