Kwara ADC, ex-spokesman trade words over resignation
The Kwara State African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its former Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Basambo, are in a dispute over his resignation, with the party alleging he quit to avoid disciplinary action and Basambo claiming voluntary departure due to leadership failures.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
Abubakar Basambo, former Kwara ADC spokesman, resigned citing hypocrisy, dishonesty, and lack of internal democracy within the party leadership. The ADC, however, asserts that Basambo's resignation was a strategic move to evade impending disciplinary proceedings initiated due to concerns about his conduct and commitment to party ideals, a claim Basambo vehemently denies.
Imagine a school club where the person in charge of telling everyone what's happening suddenly quits. He says the club leaders are being unfair and not listening to anyone. But the club leaders say he actually quit because they were about to give him a timeout for not following the rules. Now they're arguing about who's telling the truth, and it makes people wonder if the club is really working well.
Analysis
Abubakar Basambo's Allegations
Abubakar Basambo, the former Publicity Secretary for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kwara State, has leveled serious accusations against the party's leadership following his resignation. His departure, announced in a letter dated October 23, 2026, was attributed to what he described as pervasive hypocrisy, dishonesty, and double standards among some party leaders and state executive committee members. Basambo explicitly stated that the party's current direction in Kwara had become untenable for him.
He further challenged the party's claims that he resigned to avoid disciplinary action, asserting that he was never formally notified of any allegations nor given an opportunity to defend himself. Basambo also questioned the impartiality of any proposed disciplinary panel, alleging it would include individuals whose anti-party activities and impunity he had previously challenged, thereby making them judges in their own case.
Basambo's critique extended to the party's operational effectiveness, describing the Kwara ADC as "structurally comatose." He pointed to a lack of visible public engagement, an absence of party-sponsored radio programs or billboards, and inadequate facilities, including an uninhabitable state secretariat. He also alleged that some members of the Council of Elders had effectively hijacked the party, engaging in negotiations with other political parties without accountability and undermining the state chairman's authority.
Ibrahim Alege's Counter-Claims
In response to Basambo's resignation and subsequent allegations, Ibrahim Alege, the state ADC Secretary, issued a statement presenting the party's perspective. Alege maintained that Basambo's resignation was not unexpected by committed party members, as concerns regarding his conduct and commitment had already prompted the party's leadership and Council of Elders to initiate internal disciplinary procedures. According to Alege, Basambo chose to resign rather than face these proceedings.
He emphasized that the resignation was a personal decision and should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness within the ADC. Alege reiterated the party's stance that no individual is above the party, and all members are expected to uphold its constitution and principles without compromise. The party secretary affirmed the ADC's commitment to accountability, stating it would not compromise its values for personal interests or political convenience.
Zakari Mohammed and Party Control
Basambo's resignation letter also included specific criticisms directed at Zakari Mohammed, the ADC governorship candidate, alleging that Mohammed's arrogance contributed to his decision to leave. This highlights a deeper issue of internal cohesion and leadership dynamics within the party. The former spokesman's claims of a candidate being removed and replaced in Oyun Local Government Area at the discretion of some party leaders, without further details, suggest potential irregularities in candidate selection processes.
The allegations of the party being "hijacked" by a few influential individuals, described as "untouchable superpowers," and the state executive being rendered non-functional, paint a picture of a party struggling with governance and internal power struggles. These issues, if unaddressed, could significantly impede the ADC's growth and public perception, potentially undermining its ability to effectively compete in future elections and represent its constituents.
Key points
- Abubakar Basambo, former Kwara ADC Publicity Secretary, resigned citing hypocrisy, dishonesty, and lack of internal democracy within the party.
- The ADC, through its Secretary Ibrahim Alege, claims Basambo resigned to evade disciplinary proceedings initiated due to concerns about his conduct.
- Basambo denies evading disciplinary action, stating he was never formally notified of allegations or given a fair hearing.
- He accused the party leadership of failing to build an effective political structure, describing the Kwara ADC as "structurally comatose."
- Basambo alleged that some Council of Elders members have hijacked the party, undermining the state chairman and engaging with other parties without accountability.
If the African Democratic Congress leadership takes Basambo's allegations seriously, it could prompt a genuine internal review of its processes, strengthen internal democracy, and foster greater accountability. Addressing these issues transparently might restore public trust and enhance the party's cohesion and effectiveness in Kwara State.
The ongoing public dispute and unresolved allegations of hypocrisy, lack of internal democracy, and party hijacking could severely damage the ADC's reputation and public confidence. This internal strife might lead to further defections, weaken its political structure, and diminish its chances of electoral success in Kwara State.
