By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Buji Local Government Area of Jigawa State has suspended its National Working Committee member, Aliyu Gantsa, for 12 months over alleged anti-party activities, effective October 19, 2026, following disciplinary decisions by party executives.
ADC Announces Gantsa’s Suspension
The party announced the suspension in a joint statement issued to journalists in Dutse on Monday.
The statement carried the signatures of Ahmad Garba, Polling Unit Chairman of Primary School, Gantsa Fada Yamma; Nasiru Garba Dan Halima, Gantsa Ward Chairman; and Isyaku Muhammad Lelenkudu, Buji Local Government Chairman.
According to the statement, the suspension followed deliberations over party discipline, internal unity and compliance with established procedures.
The ADC Ward Executive Committee approved the decision on October 5, 2026. Subsequently, the Local Government Working Committee approved it on October 16, 2026.
The suspension took effect on October 19, 2026, and will remain in force until October 19, 2027.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
The party accused Gantsa of engaging in anti-party activities across Jigawa State.
According to the statement, his alleged actions damaged the ADC’s reputation and public standing.
Furthermore, the party accused him of openly supporting an aspirant who lost the party’s democratic primary election.
The executives alleged that Gantsa’s actions undermined the party’s officially nominated candidates and electoral interests.
They maintained that members must respect party decisions and follow established procedures.
Restrictions Imposed on Gantsa
During the suspension, Gantsa cannot attend or participate in ADC meetings, caucuses, rallies or official gatherings.
The restrictions apply to party activities at polling unit, ward, local government, state and national levels.
The statement also barred him from exercising rights, duties, privileges or functions associated with his party membership or office.
However, the party said Gantsa could submit a formal written appeal against the decision.
He must direct the appeal to the Ward Executive Committee or Local Government Executive Committee within 14 days of receiving the suspension notice.
The statement urged party members to remain calm and respect the decision.
It also advised members to avoid actions that could create unnecessary tension within the party.
Gantsa Rejects the Suspension
Reacting to the development, Gantsa dismissed the suspension as unconstitutional, null and void.
He spoke during a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Monday evening.
Gantsa insisted that the ward executive lacked the constitutional authority or grounds to suspend him.
“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,” he said.
He further described the decision as unconstitutional and without effect.
Gantsa Accuses Jigawa ADC Leaders of Intimidation
The ADC chieftain accused the party’s state leadership of orchestrating the suspension to silence dissenting voices.
He alleged that the leaders feared his growing political influence and used lower party structures against him.
“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,” Gantsa said.
Despite the dispute, he maintained that he remained a committed ADC member.
He also vowed to continue working for the party’s progress and challenge the suspension through the appropriate channels.
“No amount of intimidation will make me abandon the party I laboured to build. I will seek redress through the appropriate party organs,” he added.
ADC Emphasises Party Discipline
The suspension highlights an internal dispute over party discipline, loyalty and compliance with established procedures.
The ADC said its disciplinary decisions aim to protect internal unity and uphold the principles guiding the organisation.
However, Gantsa’s rejection of the suspension indicates a disagreement over the authority behind the decision.
The dispute may now proceed through the party’s internal appeal mechanisms as both sides maintain their positions.
