‘He Was Never Our Member’ — ADC Disputes Gada’s Alleged Party Affiliation
Questions over party affiliation resurfaced in Sokoto on Monday after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) formally disputed claims that former senator Abubakar Gada was ever a registered member of the party, describing such assertions as false and unsupported by its records.
The clarification was issued by the Chairman of the ADC in Sokoto State, Alhaji Bello Isiyaku-Keegan, during a briefing with journalists in the state capital. Isiyaku-Keegan maintained that political party membership is a formal and verifiable process, requiring registration and documentation through officially recognised party structures.
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According to him, Gada’s name does not appear in any ADC membership register at ward, local government, state or national level. He explained that the former lawmaker, who represented Sokoto East Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), never completed the required process to become a member of the ADC.
“He was never our member,” Isiyaku-Keegan stated, stressing that party affiliation cannot be assumed or declared without documentary evidence. He added that the ADC found it troubling that claims of membership were being circulated publicly despite the absence of any formal record.
The state chairman said the party considered it regrettable that a politician of Gada’s standing, who had previously served in the National Assembly, would make what he described as inaccurate claims regarding ADC membership.
“The ADC found it regrettable and curious that such a false claim was made and circulated in the public domain,” he said. “It is also regrettable and unfortunate that a politician of Gada’s status would publish such a claim in spite of the fact that he was fully aware he did not register with ADC.”
Isiyaku-Keegan further clarified that neither Gada nor former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, had registered with the ADC at any point, dismissing suggestions of their formal involvement with the party’s structure.
“Therefore, it is unbecoming of Gada to make such a statement,” he said, adding that the situation reflected what the party viewed as careless political communication.
He noted that the ADC regarded the matter as inconsistent with principles of honesty, accountability and respect for the electorate, values which he said should guide political engagement, particularly among experienced public office holders.
Despite the controversy, Isiyaku-Keegan said the ADC remained focused on its broader objectives of building a credible political platform anchored on integrity, inclusiveness, internal democracy and people-oriented governance.
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The dispute followed Gada’s recent announcement of his return to the PDP, a development reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Gada, described as a leading stalwart within the ADC coalition, said he was rejoining the PDP with the aim of reclaiming and rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 general elections in Sokoto State.
In explaining his decision, the former senator cited unfolding political realities, including what he described as significant structural and leadership challenges within the coalition he had been associated with.
Gada’s political career spans multiple election cycles in Sokoto State. He first rose to national prominence after winning the Sokoto East Senate seat in 2007 under the PDP, during a period when the party dominated federal and state politics in Nigeria. Over the years, shifting political alignments and defections have become a recurring feature of the country’s political landscape, particularly as parties reposition ahead of election seasons.