Fresh Battle for Control of ADC Structure Rocks Taraba

 

A fresh internal crisis is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Taraba State as two influential political figures battle for control of the party structure ahead of the forthcoming ward, local government and state congresses.

 

Investigations by Taraba Truth and Facts indicate that the emerging power struggle is between Abubakar Umar Tutare, a former senator who currently serves as Chairman of the ADC State Transition Committee, and Danjuma Usman Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, a former member of the House of Representatives and a governorship aspirant on the platform of the party.

 

Party insiders say tension has been mounting quietly within the ADC following the activities of the transition committee headed by Senator Tutare, which recently embarked on a statewide tour aimed at strengthening party structures ahead of the congresses.

 

However, the absence of Danji SS during the tour has sparked speculation among party stakeholders that deep divisions may be widening within the opposition party in the state.

 

Political observers believe the unfolding rivalry may not be unconnected with the governorship ambitions of the two leaders as the 2027 political calculations gradually gather momentum.

 

Sources within the party further claim that Senator Tutare has been consolidating his influence across several blocs within the ADC, particularly in areas with significant Muslim populations across the state.

 

Meanwhile, allegations have also surfaced within party circles that Danji SS may be receiving financial backing from Elder Statesman General TY Danjuma. According to some insiders, the alleged support is aimed at strengthening his political base and deepening internal realignments within the opposition camp.

 

The source also hinted that the anticipated financial backing may have emboldened the former lawmaker, who was earlier believed to be nursing an ambition to return to the National Assembly as a senator, to instead pursue the governorship ticket of the party — a move some party members describe as overly ambitious.

 

Despite the growing tension, neither camp has publicly acknowledged the rift. However, party stakeholders believe the forthcoming congresses will serve as a major test of unity within the ADC and determine the direction of the party ahead of the next electoral cycle in Taraba State.

 

Meanwhile, the crisis appears to be taking a toll on the party's membership strength as some prominent figures have reportedly begun to exit the platform.

 

A former federal lawmaker, Rima Shawulu, is reported to have dumped the ADC to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Similarly, businessman Saleem Ilyasu Goje, popularly known as Dan Mama, has also reportedly resigned from the party.