Get Guardian on GoogleThe Action Democratic Party (ADP) has dismissed media reports suggesting that its National Working Committee (NWC) suspended its National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, insisting that the party’s leadership instead suspended its National Secretary, Hon. Victor Fingesi.
The party described reports published by Vanguard and Blueprint newspapers on November 6, 2026, alleging Sani’s suspension over alleged forgery, financial impropriety and manipulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, as misleading and a misrepresentation of its internal proceedings.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, the ADP maintained that Sani remained its duly elected National Chairman, whose mandate was renewed at the party’s National Convention held on May 29 and 30, 2026.
It said no constitutionally valid decision had been taken to remove or suspend him.
According to the party, the Emergency NWC meeting held on November 4 was primarily convened to address disciplinary concerns involving Fingesi over alleged insubordination, refusal to comply with lawful directives and conduct considered capable of undermining party unity and discipline.
It explained that following deliberations and appeals to Fingesi to retract disputed statements and tender an apology, the National Special Duties Secretary and Acting Deputy National Secretary, Ms. Fatima Sani Muhammed, moved a motion for his interim suspension.
The motion, which was seconded and adopted, reportedly invoked Article 23.2(e) of the ADP Constitution 2026, seeking Fingesi’s immediate suspension from the functions of National Secretary, commencement of disciplinary investigation and referral of the decision to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for ratification.
The party further disclosed that Fingesi and the National Youth Leader, Mr. Ike Chinazam, were among those present at the meeting, alongside other NWC members who constituted a quorum.
It said the suspension took effect from November 4, stressing that the decision was interim and did not amount to a final determination of guilt.
The ADP attributed the disciplinary action against Fingesi to his alleged refusal to retract statements challenged by the party leadership, including his written declaration that he would neither withdraw the statements nor apologise, relying on his interpretation of Article 43.1.6 of the party’s constitution.
The National Leadership maintained that no party official, irrespective of position, was entitled to disregard lawful decisions or undermine constituted authority.
On the allegations against Sani, the party said claims of forgery, interference with INEC’s nomination portal and financial impropriety required credible evidence, proper investigation and fair hearing.
It challenged those making the allegations to submit verifiable evidence to appropriate investigative and judicial authorities rather than use unsubstantiated claims to undermine the party’s leadership.
The statement acknowledged that the party had previously raised concerns over suspected unauthorised access to and activities on its INEC nomination portal.
However, it said the matter required independent investigation, preservation of electronic records and cooperation with INEC and relevant security agencies.
It cautioned that the existence of such concerns could not, on its own, establish wrongdoing against the National Chairman or any other individual.
On party finances, the ADP reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, saying any legitimate demand for an audit should be handled through the appropriate constitutional organs and established financial procedures.
It also warned against the use of the party’s name, official letterhead and communication channels to misrepresent decisions or create an impression of authority that had not been lawfully established.
In particular, it cautioned against unauthorised communications purportedly issued on behalf of the NWC to INEC or other institutions, insisting that such correspondence must reflect decisions genuinely reached in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The party called on Vanguard and other media organisations that reproduced the allegations to publish its clarification with appropriate prominence, urging journalists to distinguish allegations by interested parties from verified institutional decisions.
Reaffirming Sani’s commitment to party unity and preparations for the 2027 general elections, the ADP urged members, candidates and state chapters to remain calm and focused, despite the disagreements over its leadership.
It said it would continue to defend its constitution, protect the integrity of its institutions and ensure that all disciplinary matters were handled through due process.
