ADC Leadership Crisis: Court Detains Sufyanu Bala in Kebbi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State is facing a significant leadership crisis, resulting in the detention of faction chairman Sufyanu Bala. On April 21, 2026, the Birnin Kebbi Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Koko, ordered Bala's remand in custody pending a hearing on his bail application.

This legal action stems from a suit filed by a rival faction within the party, which seeks to restrain Bala from acting as the ADC state chairman. Counsel Garba Shehu, representing the rival faction led by Abdulrazaq Iko, argued that the action was necessary to enforce compliance with a previous court order.

In contrast, Bala's defense counsel, Ahmad Fingilla, challenged the court's jurisdiction, asserting that the matter should be handled by a higher court. The case has been adjourned for further hearings, reflecting ongoing tensions within the ADC, which is reportedly facing destabilization efforts from the state government.

The crisis has raised concerns about the party's cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.