The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bauchi State chapter, has been enmeshed in crisis following allegations that some individuals were contracted to cause disunity within the party.

The state party chairman, Hassan Haruna, made the allegation at a news conference on Sunday in Bauchi.

Speaking further, Mr Haruna dismissed claims in some quarters that he had been suspended from office.

He described the development as a calculated attempt by impostors and disgruntled elements to destabilise the party’s growing strength and popularity in the state.

The crisis followed a press conference addressed by some people who claimed to have suspended the Bauchi State ADC chairman over alleged anti-party activities.

Mr Haruna, however, insisted that the action was unconstitutional and alien to the values of the party.

According to him, his emergence as chairman was through a duly conducted state congress recognised by the national leadership of the party, a situation akin to all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The chairman said there were laid-down constitutional procedures for disciplining or removing party officials, which, he said, was not duly followed.

Mr Haruna alleged that the individuals behind the suspension claim were acting as paid agents bent on causing confusion and internal crisis within the party.

Mr Haruna stated, “Aminu Muhammad, who was the chairman of the party in Bauchi LGA is an expelled member, while Babayo Musa Garba remained suspended. Their suspension is contained in letters dated January 2. The ADC in Bauchi State have duly recognised executives across all the 20 local government areas.’’

The chairman urged all party members and the general public to disregard statements credited to self-acclaimed impostors.

He added that the ADC coalition was open to all Nigerians who shared the party’s vision of strengthening democracy and alleviating the hardship faced by citizens.

Mr Haruna urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take note of the situation, assuring party members of unity and continued commitment to democratic principles.

In his reaction, Aminu Muhammad denied the allegations, insisting that Mr Haruna was not legally acting as chairman.

Mr Muhammad claimed that he had not received any formal letter of expulsion.

He added that due process must be followed in removing any party official.

(NAN)