THE progressive arm of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano has dismissed the endorsement of Ibrahim Khalil by members of the so-called ESILT group, insisting that the dissolved structure has no authority to speak or act on issues relating to the affairs of the party.
According to the group, the dissolved ESILT body has no mandate to discuss or interfere in ADC matters, stressing that it is not the recognised structure responsible for handling the party’s affairs in Kano State.
The spokesperson of the group, Alhaji Abba Abdulhadi, stated that the individual currently saddled with the responsibility of managing ADC affairs in Kano is Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammad.
He further explained that the tenure of the Musa Ungogo-led executive had already expired in the previous month, rendering any claims or actions taken under that structure invalid.
The group also accused some former ESILT members of parading themselves as ADC leaders despite, according to them, lacking both moral and political authority to do so.
Alhaji Abdulhadi criticised a press conference held on Sunday by some members of the faction, describing their claims as misleading and challenging them to provide documentary evidence to support their allegations.
He maintained that there was never any governorship primary election conducted in Kano, insisting that those making such claims must back them with verifiable proof.
According to him, the conduct of the press briefing only demonstrated desperation, reiterating that no legitimate primary election took place in the state.
He added that a seven-member committee set up by the national leadership had been mandated to review the situation and arrive at a decision after due consultation and careful consideration.
The spokesperson of the ADC Young Progressives Forum also questioned claims about Khalil’s grassroots popularity, referencing election data from 2023.
“We still wonder why, in spite of their claim that Malam Khalil is commanding support among Kano electorate, he was able to get 5,000 votes only out of the 2 million votes cast, while others got above 800,000 and 1 million in 2023,” he noted.
He further sought clarification from the so-called ADC stakeholders over an interview in which their aspirant, Malam Ibrahim Khalil, allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “perfect leader,” a statement he said party members condemned as unwarranted.
According to him, the comment raised questions of divided loyalty between the ADC as a major opposition party and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The spokesperson also alleged that the recent Mambo/Ungogo press conference was part of a final effort being sponsored by opposition interests to discredit the ADC leadership in Kano.
He urged party faithful to remain calm, focused, and united despite the internal disagreements, stressing that the leadership remains committed to resolving the issues in line with party procedures.