The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Kaduna state Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other stakeholders of the party have rejected what they described as illegal and unconstitutional congress conducted in Kaduna.
They alleged that the congress were procedurally defective and politically manipulated, while also affirming Elder Patrick Didam Ambut as the state Chairman of the party.
The stakeholders said, the court order restraining Ambut as the party Chairman in the state had been completely withdrawn by the litigants.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna Thursday, the Chairman of the party, Elder Patrick Didam Ambut, explained that the congresses represented a coordinated attempt by certain individuals and tendencies within the coalition to hijack the structures of the ADC in the state for narrow and selfish interest.
While speaking, Ambut said: “No coalition, no bloc, and no internal influence no matter their political weight can or has the authority to override the constitution of the ADC, or impose leadership on the party in Kaduna state.”
The Chairman further explained that the SEC and the SWC were the only constitutionally recognised organs vested with the authority to conduct congresses.
Ambut emphasised that the organs were not consulted and did not approve the said exercise, adding that the ‘Steering Committee’ that purportedly supervised the process is unknown to the constitution of the ADC.
According to the Chairman, “the State Working Committee of the party hereby declare the congresses conducted in Kaduna state null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
“Any leadership structure or outcome raising from that illegal process is invalid and shall not be recognized by the party.”
Reacting to his expulsion from the party by the National Secretariat, he said: “I strongly believe that the decision was taken in error.”