Get Guardian on Google…Party says 2026 National Convention renewed leadership mandate, faults selective interpretation of constitution
The opposition Action Democratic Party (ADP) has defended its National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, against allegations that he is unlawfully occupying the position for a third term, insisting that the claims are based on a selective interpretation of the party’s constitution.
The party said provisions governing the frequency and commencement of its National Conventions must be considered alongside those regulating the tenure of National Officers in determining the constitutional status of Sani’s leadership.
ADP’s the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, in a statement on Monday specifically cited Articles 20.2 and 45.1(a) of the ADP Constitution 2026, arguing that the two provisions must be read together rather than in isolation.
Article 45.1(a) provides for a four-year tenure for National Officers, renewable once, while Article 20.2(a) stipulates the frequency of non-elective and elective National Conventions. According to the party, the constitution provides for non-elective National Conventions every two years during the first four years following its registration and subsequently every two years.
It further provides that elective National Conventions should hold every four years after the initial four-year period.
ADP argued that the distinction between the two categories of conventions was crucial to determining its constitutional electoral cycle and assessing the tenure of National Officers.
The party also drew attention to Article 20.2(b), which stipulates that conventions should hold within the same month as the preceding convention or not later than four months thereafter.
It maintained that Sani’s emergence as the pioneer National Chairman following the party’s establishment in 2017 did not, by itself, establish that his continued leadership amounted to an unconstitutional third term.
The party further recalled that its National Convention held on May 29 and 30, 2026, renewed the mandate of its National Leadership.
It said the constitutional status of that renewal should be determined by examining the relevant provisions of the party’s constitution, transitional arrangements and convention records rather than relying on political assertions.
The latest defence comes amid an escalating disagreement within the party over its leadership, the interpretation of its constitution and the administration of its organisational structures.
The National Secretary, Hon. Victor Fingesi, had raised objections to moves to dissolve party structures, insisting that such actions must conform to the party’s constitutional provisions and established procedures.
Fingesi had also warned against actions capable of deepening the crisis, maintaining that internal disagreements should be addressed through the party’s recognised organs.
However, the latest statement underscores the position of Sani’s camp that the controversy surrounding his tenure cannot be resolved by isolating one constitutional provision from the broader framework governing the party’s conventions.
ADP maintained that questions concerning the tenure of its National Officers should be resolved through its lawful organs, authentic constitutional documents and verifiable electoral records.
It rejected attempts to portray what it described as a disputed interpretation of its constitution as an established violation.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional supremacy, internal democracy, due process and accountable leadership, declaring its resolve to uphold the principles guiding its operations.
