The African Democratic Congress in Buji Local Government Area of Jigawa State has suspended its national chieftain and member of the National Working Committee, Aliyu Gantsa, for 12 months over alleged anti-party conduct.
The suspension was announced in a joint statement issued to newsmen in Dutse on Monday and signed by Ahmad Garba, Polling Unit Chairman of Primary School, Gantsa Fada Yamma; Nasiru Garba Dan Halima, Gantsa Ward Chairman; and Isyaku Muhammad Lelenkudu, Buji LGA Chairman of the party.
According to the statement, the suspension took effect from October 19, 2026, and will run until October 19, 2027.
The statement said the decision was taken at the polling unit of Primary School, Gantsa Fada Yamma, with Unit No. 17-05-04-002 in Buji Local Government Area of the state.
It said the decision followed the consideration of concerns relating to party discipline, internal unity and compliance with established party procedures.
The statement partly read, “The suspension was approved by ADC Ward Executive Committee (WEC) on 5th October 2026 and ADC Local Government Working Committee (LWC) on 16th October 2026, in accordance with the applicable party rules.
“The action underscores the importance of discipline, respect for party structures, responsible conduct and adherence to the principles that guide the political organisation.”
“The ADC remains committed to resolving internal matters through established procedures and ensuring that disciplinary decisions are handled in accordance with the party constitution.”
According to the statement, Gantsa was accused of engaging openly in anti-party conduct across the state.
“Gantsa’s action was bringing the name, integrity and public standing of the African Democratic Congress into serious disrepute,” it added.
Furthermore, the statement reads, “Engaging openly in anti-party conduct across the state, bringing the name, integrity, and public standing of the African Democratic Congress into serious disrepute.”
It also accused him of declaring public loyalty and political allegiance to an aspirant who was defeated in the party’s democratic primary election.
Accordingly, the party executives declared that “this was thereby actively undermining the party’s officially nominated candidates and the electoral interests of the party.”
“Declaring public loyalty and political allegiance to an aspirant who was defeated in our democratic primary election, thereby actively undermining our officially nominated candidates,” the statement stated.
It said that for the duration of the suspension, Gantsa was barred from attending or participating in any meetings, caucuses, rallies or official gatherings of the ADC.
It said, “You are strictly barred from attending or participating in any meetings, caucuses, rallies, or official gatherings organised by or associated with the ADC at the Polling Unit, Ward, LGA, State, or National level.”
It further revealed that he was barred from exercising any rights, duties, privileges or functions associated with his membership or any office held within the party.
However, the statement said that, in accordance with the principles of fair hearing, Gantsa reserved the right to submit a formal written appeal.
It said, “You reserve the right to submit a formal written appeal against this decision to the Ward Executive Committee or Local Government Executive Committee within fourteen (14) days of receiving this notice.”
The statement urged all party members to remain calm, respect the decision of the competent party authority and refrain from actions that could create unnecessary tension.
It said, “We trust you will use this period for constructive reflection and to realign your conduct with the values, discipline, and unity necessary for the progress of our party.”
Reacting, Gantsa, in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Monday evening, dismissed his purported suspension as null and void.
Gantsa, who said he was a member of the National Working Committee of the party, maintained that the ward had no constitutional basis or grounds to suspend him.
He said, “I am a member of the National Working Committee of the ADC. The ward executive has no basis and no ground whatsoever to suspend me. Their action is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.”
He accused the state leadership of the party of orchestrating the suspension to silence dissenting voices within the party.
“This is the handiwork of the state leadership who are afraid of my growing influence. They are using the polling unit and ward to do what they cannot do themselves,” he said.
Gantsa added that he remained a bona fide member of the ADC and would continue to work for the progress of the party.
“I remain a committed and loyal member of the ADC. No amount of intimidation will make me abandon the party I laboured to build. I will seek redress through the appropriate party organs,” he said.