As the African Democratic Congress (ADC) continues to gain momentum in Adamawa State, internal wrangling over the party’s leadership has intensified.
The growing influence of the party — recently chosen at the national level as the platform for prominent opposition figures — has led to a fierce contest for control within the state. Tensions escalated earlier this week following the official adoption of the ADC by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a highly influential political figure from the state.
On Saturday, Usman Jada, popularly known as Calculate and a close ally and relative of Atiku, publicly addressed the brewing leadership dispute. He threw his weight behind Comrade Shehu Yohanna, declaring him the legitimate chairman of the ADC in Adamawa, while dismissing Arabi Mustapha’s competing claim.
According to Jada, the rift is the result of behind-the-scenes actors attempting to hijack the party for personal interests.
“There is no way a mega coalition like our own will come into play without some hiccups but we’re on top of the game,” he stated, insisting that the leadership question was already settled.
He further emphasized:
“In Adamawa ADC we have only one substantive leadership. And that is the leadership of Comrade Shehu Yohanna. It is the leadership recognised by the national secretariat of the party.”
The declaration appears aimed at quelling uncertainty and reinforcing unity ahead of critical political developments in the state.