The Nasarawa State Transition Leadership Team (TLT) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended the State Chairman of the party, Mr. Godwin Alaku, over alleged anti-party activities.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Idris Ojoko, Publicity Secretary of the party in the state and made available to newsmen after a party stakeholders meeting held in Keffi local government area of the state recently.
According to Ojoko, the suspension follows a petition by party faithfuls against Alaku alleging several acts considered detrimental to the unity and progress of the party in the state.
He listed the alleged acts to include non-recognition of the ADC National Leadership under Sen. David Mark and refusal to allow members of the coalition to be integrated into the ADC party structure in Nasarawa state.
“Others are reporting some leaders of the ADC in the state, among whom are Chief John Michael Abdul; Sen. Suleiman Adokwe; and Mallam Jibril Sabo Keana—to the State INEC, DSS and the Nigeria Police, alleging that they were impostors, constitution of parallel party organs at various levels within the state
“Also, interference with the establishment of party offices at the state, local government, and ward levels, contrary to directives of the National Working Committee (NWC) and Interference with the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise as directed by the NWC,” he stated.
He added that based on the allegations the TLT approved the suspension of Mr. Godwin Alaku Williams for a period of 14 days, pending investigation and the outcome of a Disciplinary Committee set up by the Nasarawa State Transition Committee under the leadership of Chief Michael Abdul.
“The Disciplinary Committee is composed of Barr. Hassan Yakubu as Chairman, Amina Zanwa, Member; Mr. Mamman Sunday, Member; Hon. Yunus Abdullahi Sidi, Member and Mr. Gaza Mark Auta as Secretary,” he said.
He also noted that Barr. Paul Ajeh who was the Secretary has been appointed as the Acting State Chairman of the ADC in Nasarawa state, while Mallam Umar Babayaro is to serve as the Acting State Secretary.
Our reporter gathered that the ADC set up TLT in several states including Nasarawa state to strengthen it’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The TLTs are tasked with identifying officers, sensitizing the public, supervise the processes of membership, revalidation, registration among others and preparing the party for congresses that will elect permanent leaders at all levels but does not interfere with the day to day running of the party by the party chairman in place.
Our reporter gathered that in Nasarawa state, the TLT is chaired by Chief John Abdul, a former Deputy Governor of the state whom along his members were appointed and inaugurated at the meeting in the presence of stakeholders of the party such National Deputy Chairman, Mrs Patricia Akwashiki, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe, Chief of Staff to the National Chairman among others
In his remarks to newsmen after the stakeholders meeting, Chief John Abdul, Chairman of the party’s TLT and a former Deputy Governor in the state appreciated stakeholders for the appointment and said the allegations against the suspended chairman had been too weighty hence the suspension to pave way for a thorough and indepth investigation.
“The disciplinary committee has been inaugurated and they are expected to immediately invite the suspended chairman to defend himself against the allegations levelled against him. They have 14 days to finish investigation and come up with a report,” he said.
In an interview, Senator Mohammed Onawo (ADC/Nasarawa North) said ADC still remained the sought by many in other parties despite the crisis over the allegations against the suspended chairman of the party.
“ADC still remains the bride of the state. You can see people from different places finding comfort in ADC because that is where they can find justice, fairness, fair play, no imposition and a house for everybody,” he said.
Also speaking, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, a Chieftain of the party and former Minister of Environment applauded the move and said the suspension of the chairman will send a strong message to party members and Nigerians that ADC epitomizes discipline, unity and fairness.
Our Correspondent reports that other prominent stakeholders present at the meeting included Barr. Musa Elayo; Mallam Jibril Sabo Keana; Gen. Nuhu Angbazo (rtd.); Barr. John Mathew; Hon. Yamusa Chindo; Mr. Nathaniel Aboki; Mr. Mamman Sunday, Gaza Mark Auta, Mrs. Liyatu Bala and other critical stakeholders of the party. END