By Priye Briggs
A new rift has broken out in the Kano State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after one faction petitioned the police over actions it described as unlawful and capable of triggering unrest.
The renewed leadership crisis emerges as the Kano State Transition Committee, headed by Hon. Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, lodged a petition with the Kano State Police Command on July 8.
In the petition, the committee accused Hajiya Najaatu Muhammed of attempting to fracture the party after she announced the formation of a caretaker committee for the state chapter.
The move followed Muhammad’s announcement on Monday that she had dissolved the existing Kano executive and replaced it with a caretaker team led by Alhaji Umar Bala. Muhammad presented herself as the ADC Deputy National Chairman for the North-West.
The Ungogo-led group rejected the announcement, saying it contravened the party constitution and lacked approval from the party’s legitimate leadership structures.
In the petition signed by Ungogo and the party’s Administrative Secretary, Dr Bala M. I. Takai, the faction insisted that only the National Executive Committee or the National Working Committee can set up a caretaker committee.
The petition stated, “The power to constitute Caretaker Committees rests exclusively with the National Executive Committee (NEC) or the National Working Committee (NWC) via proper directives. No individual official possesses such authority.”
The group also disputed Muhammad’s claim to the position of Deputy National Chairman North-West, arguing that the office was scrapped during constitutional amendments at the party’s national convention in April 2026.
It further warned that her actions could spark tension among members and supporters if not addressed.
The petition claimed that: “Hajiya Najaatu Muhammed, aided by a few inexperienced cronies, has engaged in anti-party activities to create a faction and sow confusion.”
The faction urged the police to probe the issue and intervene to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The development has widened the leadership tussle within the Kano ADC, with both sides claiming legitimacy.
While Muhammad’s camp says the caretaker committee was created to bring stability, the current state executive maintains it remains the duly recognised leadership.
The Kano State Police Command had not issued any response to the petition at the time of filing this report.