…Declares readiness for 2027.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Legacy Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction, in Kaduna State, have reaffirmed their dedication to the party’s constitution and structure, condemning what they describe as “attempts to hijack the party platform” in the state.
This stance was shared during a press conference on June 30, 2026, in Kaduna by Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, ADC Legacy Chairman, while speaking on behalf of the state leadership.
The statement was jointly signed by Hon. Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha, who served as State Chairman, from 2022 to 2026, and as State IPAC Chairman from 2023 to 2026; Alh. Ibrahim Suleiman, a former National Organizing Secretary, from 2022 to 2026, and a former State and IPAC Chairman, and Mr. Victor Oluwatuyi, State Secretary from 2022 to 2026.
The signatories explained that the ADC coalition in Kaduna was launched in March 2025 under the leadership of Dr. Salihu Lukman.
A six-member coalition committee was formed, led by Dr. Lukman and including Sen. Musa Bello, Alh. Shuaibu Idris Mikati, Dr. John Ayuba, Hon. Ibrahim Sidi Bamalli, and Hon. Kabiru Ajuji.
The Legacy ADC was represented on this committee by Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, who served as ADC Kaduna State Chairman from 2022 to 2026, and Alh. Ibrahim A. Suleiman, the National Organizing Secretary and State Chairman for nearly eight years, as well as a past IPAC Chairman in the state.
The leadership mentioned that the committee was later expanded in August 2025 to include Elder Patrick Ambut, a former ADC Chairman who was suspended in 2022, pardoned in 2025, and later expelled by the party on April 14, 2026, along with Hon. Philemon Kure, another former ADC Chairman from 2021.
They noted that all meetings leading up to the coalition’s initial formation were chaired and held at Dr. Lukman’s residence.
The group stated that the process was designed to involve all stakeholders to ensure the party’s success and unity, and that it was carried out smoothly and in an organized manner.
However, the Legacy ADC claimed that some coalition leaders and members later attempted to hijack the party’s structure, while under the watch of the Legacy Members.
“The Legacy ADC in Kaduna State vows not to allow any attempt that undermines the constitution, structure, and sacrifices of the original members who built the party from its inception, in 2006, especially the present legally-elected State Executives from 2022 to 2026,” the statement read.
They affirmed their commitment to due process, internal democracy, and the founding principles of ADC, warning that any actions aimed at sidelining or overriding the Legacy ADC’s authority will be challenged through lawful and constitutional means.
It also urged genuine members, stakeholders, and the public to ignore any statements or actions that do not come from the officially recognized ADC Legacy leadership.
Regarding leadership status, the signatories cited the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 30, 2026, which they said approved a 12-month extension of the tenure for the National Working Committee (NWC), as well as for Zonal, State, Local Government, and Ward officials, until the formation of Caretaker Committees, where necessary.
They asserted that the Kaduna branch of the Legacy ADC remains valid and under that arrangement until any contrary directive from the National Headquarters or Dr. Salihu Lukman, whom they described as the Prime Initiator and Authorized Anchor Person, as issued to the State Executive in 2025.
The group declared that its members remain the genuine leaders of the party in Kaduna State, urging all groups claiming ‘leadership’ to cease and “democratically sheathe their swords.” They emphasized that the Legacy ADC is inclusive enough to accommodate everyone.
The committee also stressed unity, promising to work towards building a strong party structure as designed by the party, the ADC National Coalition Committee, and the Kaduna State structure, under Dr. Lukman.
“The Legacy ADC fold remains resolute before and after the coalition, and will resist any attempt to hijack the party or intimidate us. We are united, and our doors are open to more members for a prosperous outing in 2027,” they stated.
In conclusion, the signatories expressed appreciation to the National Chairman, Distinguished Sen. David Bonaventure Mark, and his team for their visionary leadership and dedication to protecting Legacy members from hijack attempts.
They quoted the National Chairman’s reminder: “Do you come to win elections or did you come to hijack the party?” and described it as a demonstration of true leadership.