A growing internal crisis is threatening the stability of the Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following bitter disputes over the party’s governorship and legislative primaries.
At the centre of the controversy is former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose political allies are increasingly expressing frustration over what they describe as abandonment and betrayal after years of loyalty and political support.
The tension escalated after Isa Ashiru Kudan emerged as the ADC governorship candidate in a primary process that several aspirants and stakeholders have rejected. The outcome has triggered protests within the party and deepened divisions among members aligned with El-Rufai’s political structure.
One of the governorship aspirants, Ja’afaru Sani, publicly rejected the primary results, alleging that the exercise lacked credibility. Sani, widely regarded as one of El-Rufai’s closest political associates, warned that he could leave the party if the outcome was not reviewed.
His reaction quickly resonated among other dissatisfied members of the former governor’s camp. A coalition led by Samaila Makarfi later described the primaries as manipulated and accused party officials of sidelining some aspirants through irregular processes.
However, beyond disagreements over the conduct of the primaries, insiders say the crisis reflects a deeper problem within the Kaduna ADC. Several loyalists believe El-Rufai has distanced himself from political allies who stood by him during periods of intense political pressure and controversy.
Party members within the faction claim many supporters who defended the former governor politically and financially now feel exposed and isolated. Some insist the former governor failed to intervene on behalf of key allies currently facing political and legal difficulties.
The dissatisfaction appears strongest around the situations involving Ja’afaru Sani, who is reportedly under investigation by anti-corruption agencies, and former Chief of Staff Bashir Saidu, who is said to be in detention at the Kaduna Correctional Facility.
According to sources familiar with the internal disagreements, many supporters expected El-Rufai to openly defend those considered central figures within his political movement. Instead, they now accuse him of prioritising political calculations over longstanding alliances.
The controversy intensified further after allegations surfaced that individuals linked to El-Rufai quietly influenced the governorship primary in favour of Isa Ashiru despite public claims that the former governor remained neutral.
Reports indicate that El-Rufai’s wife, Asiya El-Rufai, met with some aspirants before the primary to assure them that her husband was not supporting any candidate. Despite the meeting, many party members remained unconvinced.
Several loyalists argue that the final outcome of the primary contradicted claims of neutrality. Within the faction, there is growing belief that the process reflected private political negotiations designed to favour specific interests while weakening others within the party structure.
Some stakeholders have also accused the former governor of paying more attention to securing the political future of his son, Bello El-Rufai, than preserving relationships with loyal supporters who helped build his influence in Kaduna politics.
The situation has been complicated by El-Rufai’s current legal troubles. His inability to directly manage tensions within the party has reportedly created a leadership vacuum that competing interests are now exploiting.
The Kaduna ADC leadership has also struggled to contain the widening divisions. Before the primaries, the party publicly rejected an alleged “ADC Transition Committee” meeting reportedly organised by associates of El-Rufai. The gathering later became controversial after reports of violence and gunfire emerged, prompting police investigations.
Political observers say the latest developments expose deeper fractures within the Kaduna ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections. With governorship and legislative aspirants rejecting the primaries and accusations of betrayal dominating internal discussions, fears are growing that the party could face defections or a broader split.
