The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has taken a fresh turn 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, ruled that Bala be remanded in custody pending the hearing of his bail application, which has been fixed for Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The legal action was initiated by a rival faction within the party seeking to stop Bala from presenting himself as the recognised ADC State Chairman. Counsel to the complainant, Barrister Garba Abubakar Shehu, who appeared for factional chairman Abdulrazaq Abubakar Iko, argued that the application was necessary to enforce compliance with an earlier court order.
“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, Bala’s defence counsel, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Fingilla, challenged the legitimacy of the proceedings, insisting that the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, which he claimed was already before a High Court.
“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 maintained that the case would proceed and subsequently adjourned it for further hearing.
Reacting to the development, Bala alleged political interference, claiming that the rival faction was working with the state government to weaken his camp.
“Yes, the magistrate orders my arrest and detention yesterday but after today’s hearing, the case is adjourned till tomorrow.
“Under the constitution, the magistrate has no jurisdiction to entertain the case but the state government is behind the case.
“They don’t want us to be on the ballot, and we will drag it to logical conclusion,” he said.
The crisis within the ADC in Kebbi State has persisted for months, with parallel factions laying claim to party leadership. The dispute has reportedly been intensified by political alignments ahead of future elections, with Bala believed to have the backing of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Party insiders say the internal conflict has resulted in parallel congresses, conflicting court rulings, and deep divisions among members, raising concerns about the party’s unity in the state.
Observers warn that the latest court action may further complicate reconciliation efforts, as both factions continue to pursue legal avenues to assert legitimacy.
Meanwhile, Abdulrazaq Iko confirmed that the suit against Bala was filed due to alleged defiance of an existing court order restraining him from parading himself as ADC chairman in Kebbi State.
What you should know
The ADC leadership crisis in Kebbi State has escalated following a court order detaining factional chairman Sufyanu Bala over alleged contempt.
The case stems from a dispute between rival factions, each claiming legitimacy. One faction insists Bala ignored a court order barring him from acting as chairman, while his defence argues the Magistrate Court lacks jurisdiction.
The crisis has led to parallel structures, legal battles, and political accusations, including claims of state interference.
With both sides pursuing legal recognition, the situation threatens party unity and could affect ADC’s preparedness and credibility ahead of upcoming elections in the state.
