ADC leadership crisis deepens as Court orders detention of factional Chairman in Kebbi

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State escalated on Monday after a Magistrate Court in Birnin Kebbi ordered the detention of a factional state chairman, Sufyanu Bala, over alleged contempt of court.

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

The case was filed by a rival faction within the party, which is also seeking a court order restraining Bala from parading himself as the ADC State Chairman.

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

“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 said.

However, defence counsel, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Fingilla, challenged the jurisdiction of the Magistrate Court, arguing that it lacked the authority to hear the matter.

“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,” he argued.

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

Speaking after the proceedings, Bala alleged political interference, insisting that the case was being used to destabilise his faction.

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

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

The ADC in Kebbi State has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership tussle, with parallel factions laying claim to the party structure.

The crisis is reportedly linked to political alignments ahead of future elections, with Bala allegedly enjoying the backing of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Party insiders say the dispute has resulted in parallel congresses, conflicting court orders, and deep divisions among members, raising concerns over the party’s cohesion in the state.

Observers warn that the latest court ruling could further complicate reconciliation efforts as both factions continue to pursue legal recognition.

Factional ADC chairman, Abdulrazaq Isah Iko, confirmed that he initiated the contempt proceedings, insisting there is a subsisting court order restraining Bala from parading himself as state chairman.