Jigawa ADC Members Petition Party Leadership to Review Governorship Aspirant Over ICPC Allegations

A fresh controversy has emerged within the Jigawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after party members formally urged the national leadership to reconsider the governorship aspiration of former Senator Sabo Nakudu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a petition addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, two ADC members from Gwaram Local Government Area argued that allowing Nakudu to fly the party’s governorship flag could expose the opposition party to political and legal challenges during the election cycle.

Party Members Cite ICPC Report

The petition, signed by Abubakar Sani and Ibrahim Maijamaa, claims that Nakudu was mentioned in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s Phase II report under the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI).

According to the petitioners, the anti-corruption agency’s findings relate to the alleged diversion of constituency project funds during Nakudu’s tenure as senator representing Jigawa South-West between 2015 and 2023.

They argued that the allegations could undermine the ADC’s campaign and electoral prospects if he eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.

Alleged Recoveries Referenced in Petition

The petition references figures contained in the ICPC report, alleging that the commission recovered public assets and funds linked to investigations involving Nakudu and two other individuals.

Among the recoveries cited are an estimated ₦2.8 billion in public funds, as well as Hilux vehicles, water pumping machines, motorcycles and drilling equipment allegedly traced to companies said to be associated with the former senator through family members.

It is important to note that the petition relies on the ICPC report as the basis for its claims. The report itself has been cited by the petitioners in support of their request to the ADC leadership.

Why the Petition Matters

The development highlights the increasing scrutiny political parties are facing as they prepare for the 2027 elections.

Political parties are under growing public pressure to present candidates whose records are unlikely to become campaign liabilities. Internal disputes over candidate selection have become a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as opposition parties seek to strengthen their credibility against ruling parties.

For the ADC in Jigawa, the petition reflects concerns among some members that unresolved allegations involving a prominent aspirant could become a major issue during the governorship race.

Background on Sabo Nakudu

Sabo Nakudu represented Jigawa South-West Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 until 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since leaving the Senate, he has become associated with the ADC as the party positions itself ahead of the next general election.

The petitioners contend that retaining him as the party’s governorship candidate could provide political opponents with grounds to challenge the ADC’s campaign narrative.

Nakudu Responds

When contacted for his reaction, Nakudu said he had not received or read the petition and therefore could not comment on its contents.

His response means there has been no detailed rebuttal to the allegations contained in the petition at the time of publication.

What Happens Next?

The petition has been forwarded to the ADC’s national leadership for consideration.

It remains unclear whether the party will initiate an internal review of the concerns raised or proceed with its candidate selection process without changes. Any decision by the national leadership could influence political alignments in Jigawa State as preparations for the 2027 governorship election continue.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no public indication that the ICPC has announced new legal proceedings against Nakudu in connection with the issues referenced by the petition.