By Awwal Umar Kontagora The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Niger State has suspended its Deputy Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Aut...
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Niger State has suspended its Deputy Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Auta Gusoro, following his alleged attempt to unseat the state chairman, Alhaji Musa Hassan.
Party leaders across the 25 local government areas of the state signed a resolution endorsing the suspension, which was initially imposed by the Igwa/Gwada constituency. The suspension comes after Gusoro allegedly declared himself as the party’s acting state chairman during a youth rally he organised.
Speaking to journalists, the ADC Chairman in Shiroro Local Government Area, Malam Tanko Galadima, who shares the same constituency with the embattled deputy PRO, said he was unaware of any formal removal of Alhaji Musa Hassan, let alone the appointment of Gusoro as interim chairman.
“Upon hearing the claim, I immediately convened an emergency meeting to prevent division among party members. We deliberated and resolved to escalate the matter in accordance with the party's constitution. Subsequently, the matter was taken to court, and a suspension was enforced,” Galadima stated.
He added that following consultations at the local government level, the issue was brought before the state leadership, where a consensus was reached to uphold the suspension of Gusoro.
Confirming the development, the ADC Chairman in Niger North Senatorial District, Abdulmumin Dantata Ibeto, said a 15-member committee has been constituted to investigate the matter.
“We held an emergency meeting on Thursday and resolved to set up a committee to thoroughly investigate the allegations before determining Gusoro’s future in the party. If found guilty, he will be expelled,” Ibeto said.
He clarified that Gusoro was appointed Deputy Public Relations Officer in 2022, and there is no record of his elevation to interim chairman as he has claimed.
“The ADC in Niger State has no issues with the leadership of Alhaji Musa Hassan. He has been steering the party effectively and engaging in key initiatives, including meetings with the acting National Chairman, Senator David Mark,” Ibeto added.
The party reiterated its recognition of Senator Mark as the acting National Chairman and reaffirmed that all national-level engagements are being coordinated through Alhaji Musa Hassan.
“We are not aware of any official suspension of Alhaji Musa Hassan or any legitimate appointment of an interim leader in the state. Even our key allies, including Barrister Bello Bawa Bwari, have expressed confidence in Alhaji Musa’s leadership and are committed to working with him ahead of upcoming elections,” Ibeto said.
The meeting, which took place at the party’s secretariat in Maitumbi along the 3rd Arm Zone Road, was attended by ADC leaders from all local government areas, as well as representatives from Niger North, Niger South, and Niger Central senatorial zones.
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