ADC Sokoto Chapter Reaffirms Faruk, Rejects Isiyaku’s Leadership Claim

Onyenobi Chinwendu Samuel

September 22, 2025

Sokoto 🇳🇬 — The leadership tussle rocking the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a decisive turn on Sunday, 21 September 2025, when the state executive committee reaffirmed Umar Muhammad Faruk as the legitimate chairman and rejected the return bid of Bello Isiyaku.

Speaking at a press conference, the State Secretary, Yusuf Abdulkadir Alkali, announced that 18 out of 25 members of the state executive committee voted in favour of Faruk, stressing that Isiyaku’s suspension before the 2023 general elections remains valid and binding.

“Our position is clear ; Bello Isiyaku ceased to be chairman the moment he was suspended ahead of the 2023 polls. Any attempt to reinstate him is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” Alkali declared.

The faction noted that Faruk’s leadership had earlier been ratified at the ADC national convention in Zaria in September 2022, under the supervision of the party’s national chairman, Ralph Nwosu. Local government chairmen in Sokoto were also reported to have aligned with Faruk’s leadership, strengthening his legitimacy within the state structure.

Party officials further cited Article 17(3) of the ADC Constitution, which they argued Isiyaku violated, thereby forfeiting his claim to leadership. They cautioned stakeholders against acts capable of dividing the party, insisting that unity and grassroots mobilisation should remain the party’s focus ahead of future elections.

While the Faruk faction insists the issue has been resolved, reports indicate that some stakeholders continue to push for Isiyaku’s return, raising the possibility of further arbitration or legal contestation.