Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nasarawa State — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State has suspended its State Chairman, Godwin Alaku Williams, following serious allegations that his conduct violated the party’s constitution and undermined unity and organisational progress in the state. The decision was taken on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, during a meeting of key party stakeholders held at Otunsha Hotel in Keffi, officials confirmed.
Williams’ suspension follows a petition filed by party members accusing him of multiple actions deemed detrimental to the stability and cohesion of the ADC’s state chapter. According to the petition and statements from senior party officials, the suspended chairman allegedly refused to recognise the party’s national leadership under Senator David Mark, GCON, and denied access to the party’s structure for members of a political coalition in Nasarawa State. The petition claims these actions contravened directives from the party’s National Working Committee.
In addition, Williams was accused of reporting some senior party figures to national institutions — including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force — labelling them as alleged impostors, a move party insiders said worsened internal strife. Among those reportedly affected by William’s actions were prominent party figures such as former Deputy Governor Chief John Michael Abdul, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, and Jibril Sabo Keana.
Other allegations cited in the petition included the creation of parallel party leadership structures at various levels, interference in the establishment of party offices across local government areas, and obstruction of the ADC’s membership registration and revalidation exercise — a key programme approved by the National Working Committee to strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of future elections.
Following deliberations, the ADC’s Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) approved a 14-day suspension of Williams to allow for a thorough investigation. A Disciplinary Committee was also constituted to review the accusations and report its findings within the suspension period. Chaired by former Deputy Governor Chief John Michael Abdul, the committee includes Barrister Hassan Yakubu, Amina Zanwa, Mamman Sunday, and Hon. Yunus Abdullahi Sidi, with Gaza Mark Auta serving as Secretary.
To ensure continuity of leadership during the investigation, the party appointed Barrister Paul Magaji Ajeh as Acting State Chairman, while Umar A. Babayaro was named Acting State Secretary. These interim appointments aim to maintain administrative order and support ongoing party activities at the state level.
Prominent ADC leaders and stakeholders from across Nasarawa State attended the meeting that led to the suspension. Among them were Senators Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo and Patricia Akwashiki, whose presence underscored the seriousness with which the party views internal discipline and structural integrity.
The leadership shake-up in Nasarawa State reflects ongoing tensions within the ADC, which has recently experienced broader disputes over national leadership and internal governance. At the federal level, the party has been navigating challenges linked to recognition of its interim National Working Committee, led by Senator David Mark, amid legal contests and organisational restructuring nationwide.
In response to his suspension, Williams has reportedly rejected the disciplinary action, arguing that the moves against him lack constitutional legitimacy and are driven by factional interests within the party. Some accounts indicate he maintains he remains the substantive chairman and that those orchestrating the suspension lack proper authority. However, party leaders have affirmed their commitment to due process through the disciplinary review.
Political analysts say the developments in Nasarawa mirror similar leadership challenges faced by political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, as internal cohesion and alignment with national directives become increasingly critical in shaping party effectiveness. They note that maintaining unity at the state level is essential for opposition parties like the ADC as they seek to build credible platforms and broaden their appeal to voters across the country.
For now, the focus remains on the disciplinary process and its outcomes, with members and observers watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what implications it might have for the party’s fortunes in Nasarawa State and beyond.
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