Court detains Malami-backed ADC chairman in Kebbi

The political landscape in Kebbi State's African Democratic Congress (ADC) is mired in a deepening leadership crisis, culminating in the detention of factional chairman Sufyanu Bala. A Magistrate Court's decision to remand Bala pending a bail application hearing underscores the intense power struggle within the party.

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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.

The legal battle, initiated by a rival faction, aims to strip Bala of his chairmanship and enforce previous court directives. This internal conflict, characterized by parallel congresses and conflicting court orders, threatens the ADC's cohesion and its aspirations to be a significant opposition platform ahead of future elections.

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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.

From our perspective in Kebbi, this is more than just an internal party dispute. Bala's claims of state government collusion point to a broader pattern of political maneuvering aimed at controlling or disrupting opposition movements. The ADC, having attracted defectors from major parties, is seen as a growing force, and these internal battles, amplified by external interference, could significantly hinder its progress. The court's involvement, particularly the Magistrate's Court's jurisdiction over a matter potentially before the High Court, raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the legal proceedings, a concern that resonates deeply with citizens seeking a robust and independent opposition.

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Yes, the magistrate ordered 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 a logical conclusion.