The Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been thrown into a leadership crisis following the emergence of two rival factions, each claiming control of the party’s structure in the state.

The factions are led by Kabiru Garba Gusau and Shehu Muhammad Maisshanu Guluba, both of whom insist they are the legitimate leaders of the party in Zamfara State.

Despite the dispute over the party’s leadership, the two camps have maintained a common position that Barrister Mahadi Aliyu Gusau remains the party’s governorship candidate after emerging victorious in the ADC primary election.

Addressing journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, Guluba dismissed reports suggesting that the party had replaced its governorship candidate, describing the claims as false and misleading.

He reaffirmed that Mahadi Aliyu Gusau remains the ADC’s candidate for the governorship election and urged party members and supporters to disregard information suggesting otherwise.

Guluba also accused unnamed individuals of attempting to create confusion within the party through the circulation of what he described as misinformation.

However, the faction led by Kabiru Garba Gusau insisted that he remains the duly recognised state chairman of the ADC in Zamfara.

According to him, any attempt to recognise another person as chairman is contrary to the party’s constitution, maintaining that he was validly elected into office.

Gusau further claimed that his leadership enjoys the recognition of the party’s national secretariat, noting that the congress which produced him was conducted under the supervision of officials from the national headquarters.

The development highlights growing internal tensions within the Zamfara ADC as rival groups continue to battle for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While both factions remain at odds over leadership, they have continued to express support for the party’s governorship candidate, Mahadi Aliyu Gusau.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed a suit before a High Court in Abuja involving the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, over concerns arising from an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.

Also joined in the suit is the National Judicial Council (NJC), which the party said had not addressed issues it raised regarding the handling of a case challenging the leadership of former Senate President, Senator David Mark, within the ADC.

The suit, dated June 4, 2026, was filed by the National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, Nkemakolam Ukandu, who is seeking to be joined in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe against the Mark-led leadership of the party.

According to the suit, Ukandu expressed concerns about the handling of the matter and alleged that the actions of both Justice Tsoho and Justice Peter Lifu, the judge assigned to hear the case, could affect confidence in the proceedings.

The suit further stated that the assignment of the case to Justice Lifu had generated concerns among some members of the party, who believe the process may not guarantee a fair hearing.

The legal action marks a fresh twist in the leadership dispute within the ADC, which has attracted significant political attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, a group known as the Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN) also raised concerns about the handling of the matter and called for transparency in the judicial process.

The group alleged that the judiciary was being used to target opposition parties.

However, these claims remain allegations, and no official response had been issued by the Federal High Court or Justice Lifu as of the time of filing this report.

The group expressed concern over what it described as growing public distrust in the judiciary and called on relevant authorities to ensure fairness and transparency in the handling of politically sensitive cases.

Neither the Federal High Court nor the National Judicial Council had publicly responded to the issues raised at the time of this report.

The Kebbi State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria has announced plans to conduct elections into its local government chapters following the expiration of the tenure of existing council executives across the state.

The State Chairman of the council, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Khalifa, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing held at the Kebbi State Ministry of Youth and Sports in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, the elections are being organised in line with the council’s constitution to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and continuity of youth development programmes across the state.

Khalifa said the notice for the elections took effect on June 5, 2026, while the sale of nomination forms is scheduled to commence on June 6.

He added that the elections for the local government chapters are expected to hold between June 27 and June 28, 2026.

The NYCN chairman stated that eligible candidates must not be above 35 years of age and must be physically, mentally and educationally qualified to contest for any position.

According to him, aspirants are also required to possess at least a school leaving certificate as part of the eligibility criteria.

Khalifa noted that, in line with efforts to promote gender inclusion, the position of Deputy Coordinator and two other executive offices have been reserved exclusively for women.

He urged youths in the state to actively participate in the electoral process and contribute to the growth of the council.

The chairman also called on young people to support security agencies by providing useful information that could help tackle insecurity and sustain peace across the state.