Concerned members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State have distanced themselves from former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, saying his recent communication to the party’s national leadership did not represent the position of the party or the coalition in the state.

In a rejoinder addressed to the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, and signed by Abubakar Danjuma, the group said Lukman lacked the political structure and grassroots support to speak on behalf of the party in Kaduna.

The rejoinder, dated July 17, 2026, followed what the group described as consultations with the Kaduna State coalition leadership and reaffirmed an earlier position conveyed to the national leadership on April 21, 2026.

According to the group, the party’s structure in Kaduna is driven by established leaders, including former Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai and other stakeholders spread across the state’s three senatorial districts, whom it credited with mobilising support for the party.

The members alleged that Lukman’s influence was largely confined to Abuja and media engagements, insisting that he had no recognised political base in Kaduna.

The group further accused him of convening meetings and writing to the party’s national leadership without consulting or obtaining the mandate of recognised state leaders, describing such actions as divisive and capable of undermining party cohesion.

The latest development comes amid lingering disagreements within the Kaduna chapter of the ADC following Lukman’s earlier decision to disengage from the party’s activities, a move that had fuelled speculation over divisions within the coalition.

The concerned members said Lukman’s latest intervention was consistent with what they described as his pattern of exiting political platforms whenever he was unable to influence their direction.

They cited his previous roles in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that similar disagreements had characterised his relationships with former APC National Chairmen Adams Oshiomhole and Abdullahi Ganduje.

The group also alleged that Lukman’s criticism of former Governor El-Rufai was driven by personal grievances rather than the collective interest of the party.

Reaffirming their support for the national leadership under Senator David Mark, the members urged the party to disregard Lukman’s letter and instead rely on the position earlier submitted by the Kaduna coalition leadership.

They maintained that the ADC in Kaduna remained united and committed to strengthening its structures ahead of future political engagements, insisting that no individual was bigger than the party or its collective aspirations. (Daily Trust)

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