The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State has denied allegations linking its members to the disruption of a youth summit in Gwoza Local Government Area, accusing Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of attempting to drag the opposition party into his political disagreements with constituents.
The party challenged the senator representing Borno South to produce verifiable evidence, including an official police report, to substantiate his claim that suspected ADC supporters attacked participants at the maiden youth summit by throwing stones and damaging vehicles.
In a statement issued to journalists in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the Director of Communications of the ADC Campaign Council in Borno, Bukar Bukar Petrol, described Ndume’s allegation as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
He insisted that the party had no involvement in any act of violence or disruption during the event, adding that its recent engagements in Gwoza and other communities were peaceful.
Ndume, who attended the summit as Special Guest of Honour last week, had alleged that some persons believed to be ADC supporters pelted participants with stones while speeches were being delivered, leading to the disruption of the gathering.
However, Petrol maintained that the ADC’s visit to Gwoza, including engagements at the Emir’s Palace, Pulka, internally displaced persons’ settlements and other communities, was conducted without confrontation or violence.
The statement read: “The ADC Campaign Council, Borno State, wishes to clearly dissociate itself from any act of violence, civil disorder or activity capable of undermining peace and security in Gwoza or any other part of Borno State.
“If Senator Ndume maintains that our visit was associated with violence or civil disorder, we challenge him to produce verifiable evidence, including an official police report, rather than rely on political allegations.”
The party argued that growing interest in the ADC reflected what it described as the people’s search for a credible political alternative, following concerns over the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and representation in the state.
It said any dissatisfaction with elected representatives was a consequence of voters’ assessment of their leaders and should not be blamed on the opposition.
Petrol also faulted Ndume over comments he allegedly made during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, claiming that the senator repeatedly referred to the party as ACN rather than ADC.
The ADC spokesman further declared that the party was determined to win elective positions across Borno State, particularly in the nine local government areas of Southern Borno.
He identified the party’s senatorial candidate, Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, as Ndume’s major challenger in the January 16, 2027 election, expressing confidence that Durkwa would unseat the incumbent senator.
Petrol cited the crowd that reportedly welcomed Durkwa and his campaign team during their recent visit to Gwoza, Ndume’s home local government area, as an indication of the party’s growing support.
The ADC, however, reiterated its commitment to peaceful political engagement, lawful campaigns and the democratic aspirations of the people of Borno State.
