El-Rufai Raises Alarm Over ADC Kaduna Electoral Committee, Warns of Internal Crisis

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has expressed deep concerns over what he described as actions capable of undermining unity within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, warning that the current composition of the party’s electoral committee could trigger internal divisions and jeopardize the credibility of its governorship selection process.
In a handwritten two-page letter dated May 20, 2026, and addressed to ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, with copies to the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and other party officials, El-Rufai alleged that the existing electoral committee includes individuals perceived to be aligned with one of the governorship aspirants.
According to him, the presence of a “known agent” of aspirant Uba Sani, alongside others allegedly representing another governorship hopeful, could result in widespread rejection of the committee’s eventual decisions and hand “the election” to Uba Sani.
El-Rufai also lamented what he described as his exclusion from critical party consultations despite his role in building the coalition and strengthening the ADC in Kaduna State. He argued that major decisions, including committee appointments, were made without consulting him, despite his leadership role in the North-West.
To restore confidence, the former governor proposed the dissolution of the current electoral committee and its replacement with a new body comprising equal representation from all five governorship aspirants, as well as representatives of Senator Lawal Usman (Mr. La) and Senator Khalid. He further recommended that Dr. Auwalu Anwar of Kano State be appointed chairman of the reconstituted committee.
El-Rufai argued that while such an arrangement might not guarantee absolute fairness, it would produce outcomes that all aspirants would be more willing to accept, thereby preventing post-primary disputes and strengthening party cohesion ahead of the general election.
He stressed that Kaduna State’s political environment differs significantly from other North-West states where, according to him, imposed candidates are often accepted. He maintained that Kaduna’s political culture rejects imposition and requires an inclusive approach.
In his appeal, El-Rufai urged the national leadership of the ADC to urgently implement his recommendations to avoid “needless acrimony” and ensure that the state party structure is actively integrated into the electoral process.
The former governor concluded by stating that he has no personal interest in the outcome beyond ensuring that Kaduna State is won for the ADC. He warned that if the party allows the aspirants he worked to unite to become divided through its own actions, he would “simply seal my lips and say no more,” expressing hope that such an outcome would not be the party’s choice.
Neither the ADC national leadership nor the individuals mentioned in the letter had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of this report.