ADC faction in Kebbi raises concerns over court proceedings involving its chairman and calls for local and international intervention
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State on Sunday, April 26, 2026, called for urgent intervention from local and international bodies over the ongoing trial of its State Chairman, Sufiyanu Bala, amid allegations of irregularities in court proceedings.
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The call was made by the party’s Secretary, Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he expressed concern over what he described as procedural inconsistencies in the handling of the matter.
Sufiyanu Bala is currently facing proceedings at Chief Magistrate Court 1 and the High Court in Birnin Kebbi over allegations of contempt of court and incitement of public disturbance.
Kalgo said Bala emerged as state chairman during congresses held in April by a faction aligned with Abubakar Chika Malami, before being arrested by the Nigeria Police Force eight days later following a court warrant.
He alleged that efforts to arraign Bala between April 20 and April 24 were affected by legal disagreements surrounding jurisdiction and court procedure.
According to him, there is an existing matter before the High Court, yet proceedings continued at the magistrate court despite recommendations from an interim police report suggesting otherwise.
Kalgo also claimed that an application requesting the presiding magistrate to withdraw from the case over alleged bias was rejected, after which the defence counsel withdrew from the proceedings.
The party secretary described the situation as part of wider internal tensions, alleging that several party members had faced similar legal challenges in recent months.
He said the faction intends to petition the National Judicial Council, the Kebbi State Judicial Service Commission, Amnesty International, and other international organisations to review the matter.
Kalgo urged authorities to ensure fairness and strict adherence to the rule of law, warning against what he described as the misuse of democratic and judicial institutions for political purposes.
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The development highlights ongoing internal divisions within the ADC in Kebbi State as the legal process continues to draw attention.
