Kebbi ADC Dares Judiciary, Petitions NJC, US Justice Department Over Chairman's Trial

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, specifically the faction aligned with Abubakar Chika Malami (SAN), fires a direct salvo at Nigeria's judiciary, formally petitioning the National Judicial Council (NJC) and international watchdogs. This decisive action comes amidst what the party describes as a politically charged trial targeting its State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, who faces allegations of contempt of court and incitement.

Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, the newly elected ADC State Chairman in Kebbi State, stands trial at both Chief Magistrate Court 1 and the High Court in Birnin Kebbi. The party views these proceedings as a blatant attempt to silence opposition, especially given Bala's recent ascendance within the ADC structure. Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Secretary in Kebbi State, lays bare the details, highlighting a concerning timeline of events.

Bala's woes began swiftly after the ADC's nationwide congresses, overseen by Senator David Mark. Following his emergence as State Chairman on April 11, 2026, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala was arrested just eight days later, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Kebbi State Command. The warrant originated from Chief Magistrate Court 1, Birnin Kebbi, setting the stage for what the party now labels a judicial charade.

Judicial Process Under Scrutiny

Between April 20 and April 24, 2026, multiple attempts to arraign Bala before Chief Magistrate Court 1 faltered, plagued by what the ADC terms procedural and substantive irregularities. Crucially, the court dismissed objections from Bala's counsel regarding a parallel matter already before the High Court, asserting its own jurisdiction and referring the case back to the NPF for investigation.

The NPF's own interim investigation report, submitted on April 22, 2026, confirmed the parallel High Court case and recommended prosecution there. Yet, the Magistrate Court insisted on proceeding, overriding the police's findings. Barrister A. A. Fingilla, counsel to Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, sought the presiding magistrate's recusal due to alleged bias, but the application was summarily dismissed, forcing Fingilla's withdrawal.

A Pattern of Political Persecution

Kalgo underscores that Engr. Sufiyanu Bala’s case is not an isolated incident. The ADC points to a disturbing pattern of alleged persecution targeting its members. Umar Abubakar, Hussaina Ahmed Jega, Nasiru Garba Hashim, and Umar Yakubu Kamba have reportedly faced similar judicial challenges at various times, painting a picture of systemic pressure against the party.

In response, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) issues a potent call to action. The party demands that the Kebbi State Government and the judiciary uphold the rule of law, fairness, and democratic principles. Formal appeals are now lodged with the National Judicial Council (NJC), Kebbi State Judicial Service Commission, International Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, and the United States Department of Justice.

This widespread petition urges these powerful institutions to intervene decisively. The ADC’s objective is unambiguous: to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from what it perceives as the abuse of governmental institutions by partisan and compromised actors, particularly as the 2027 election cycle approaches.