The leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe State has deepened, with Malam Danladi Yau insisting that he remains the authentic chairman of the party.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting in Gombe last Friday, Yau dismissed claims by Alhaji Auwal Abba Barde, who has continued to parade himself as chairman of the party.
“I am the authentic chairman of the ADC in Gombe State, recognised by INEC. Anybody parading himself as chairman is fake. Barde was expelled in 2022, so how can he still claim leadership,” Yau said.
He displayed a letter of appointment and introduction issued to him by the ADC National Working Committee in December 2022, which also presented him to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the acting chairman for the state.
Yau’s remarks came in response to a counter-announcement by Barde, who earlier declared the removal of Yau as state secretary alongside the deputy chairman and youth leader.
Despite his suspension in September 2022 by the national leadership over alleged anti-party activities, Barde has continued to command loyalty among some state executives.
According to Yau, Barde’s tenure as chairman expired in 2019 after serving the constitutionally permitted two terms of four years each.
He argued that Barde’s continued claim to leadership was illegal and damaging to the party’s credibility.
Pledging loyalty to the David Mark-led national leadership of the ADC, Yau announced plans to begin fresh membership registration across all 114 wards in Gombe State, saying the move was part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The ADC under my leadership is working to rescue Nigeria from APC-induced hardship. With unity, mobilisation, and commitment, we can give Nigerians the alternative they deserve,” he added.
INEC recognises me, Barde is fake – Danladi Yau on Gombe ADC chairmanship dispute
