ADP Denies Suspending National Chairman, Says National Secretary Victor Fingesi Was Suspended

The Action Democratic Party has denied reports that its National Working Committee suspended National Chairman Yabagi Yusuf Sani, saying the decision reached at its emergency meeting on Nov. 4 concerned National Secretary Victor Fingesi.

The party, in a statement issued Saturday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, described reports published by Vanguard and Blueprint newspapers on Nov. 6 as misleading.

The reports, headlined “ADP suspends National chairman Yabagi Sani over alleged forgery,” alleged that Sani had been suspended over claims of forgery, interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s nomination portal, financial impropriety and anti-party activities.

But the ADP said Sani remained its duly elected national chairman, adding that his 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.

Clarifying the outcome of the Nov. 4 emergency National Working Committee meeting, the party said members considered disciplinary concerns involving Fingesi, including alleged insubordination, refusal to comply with party directives and conduct it said could undermine party unity and discipline.

According to the statement, members urged Fingesi to retract disputed statements and apologise before the National Special Duties Secretary and Acting Deputy National Secretary, Fatima Sani Muhammed, moved a motion for his interim suspension.

The motion, which the party said was seconded and passed, relied on Article 23.2(e) of the ADP Constitution 2026. It sought Fingesi’s suspension from the functions of national secretary, a disciplinary investigation and referral of the decision to the National Executive Committee for ratification.

The party said the suspension took effect on Nov. 4 and was an interim measure pending investigation and consideration by the NEC, not a final determination of guilt.

It added that Fingesi had previously been given opportunities to respond to queries but allegedly refused to withdraw statements challenged by the party leadership or apologise.

On the allegations against Sani, the ADP said claims of forgery, interference with INEC’s nomination portal and financial impropriety required credible evidence, proper investigation and fair hearing.

The party said it had previously raised concerns about suspected unauthorised access to and activities on its INEC nomination portal, calling for independent investigation, preservation of electronic records and cooperation with the electoral commission and relevant security agencies.

It stressed that the existence of concerns about the portal did not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by Sani or any other individual.

The ADP also said any audit of party finances should be conducted through the appropriate constitutional organs and established financial procedures, with allegations of misconduct supported by identifiable transactions and records.

It warned members against using the party’s name, letterhead or communication channels to misrepresent decisions, particularly in communications to INEC and other institutions.

The party called on media organisations that published the reports to give its clarification appropriate prominence and distinguish allegations by interested parties from decisions formally reached by its organs.

The ADP said it would continue preparations for the 2027 general elections despite the internal disagreements, urging members and supporters to remain calm and focused.