Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State have petitioned the party’s national leadership, alleging bias, conflict of interest, and disregard for due process in the ongoing reconciliation exercise conducted by the North Central Reconciliation Committee.
This was made known during a press conference in Jos, where the Chairman of ADC Central Zone, Plateau State, Hon. Manasseh Watyil, who read the petition on behalf of the group, said the move was aimed at safeguarding justice, integrity, and unity within the party.
He explained that the development followed what the group described as “ unfair handling” of the Plateau State leadership issue by the Reconciliation Committee chaired by Senator Patricia Akwashiki, whom they accused of compromising neutrality in her assignment.
According to him, the party in Plateau State had regained stability under the leadership of Ambassador Mrs. Hannatu Gagara, who was appointed as State Chairman in August 2024 by the National Working Committee (NWC) after the suspension of Hon. Samuel Gyang for alleged anti-party activities.
Watyil said the petitioners were worried that despite the ongoing deliberations within the party, Hon. Gyang had begun parading himself as State Chairman, even though his suspension in accordance with Article 15 of the ADC Constitution remained valid and binding.
He also noted that Ambassador Gagara’s tenure had brought unprecedented growth to the ADC in Plateau State, including the conduct of Local Government elections for the first time in the party’s history, successful congresses, and consistent communication with the National Headquarters.
He said: “We have noticed with great concern that the ADC North Central Reconciliation Committee has shown bias in its handling of the Plateau issue. The Committee, chaired by Senator Patricia Akwashiki, has displayed a clear conflict of interest, given her previous working relationship with Hon. Samuel Gyang when both served in the Board of Trustees. This has raised doubts about the credibility of the reconciliation process.”
“It is unacceptable for anyone to impersonate the office of State Chairman when the National Working Committee has not vacated his suspension. This act undermines the authority of the party and makes nonsense of the reconciliation process.”
“Ambassador Gagara has kept the party functional in all 17 local government areas. She established a state secretariat and ensured ADC’s representation at the Inter Party Advisory Council, where she currently serves as State Organizing Secretary. Her commitment to the party is unquestionable.”
The petition also emphasized the ADC’s constitutional provision reserving 35 percent of leadership positions for women, warning that any attempt to remove Ambassador Gagara would amount to a violation of the party’s gender equity policy and discourage women participation in politics.
The group, therefore, appealed to the National Chairman to review the findings of the North Central Reconciliation Committee and reaffirm Ambassador Gagara as the authentic Chairman of ADC in Plateau State.
They also urged the National Working Committee to caution members parading themselves in unauthorized capacities and to strengthen internal mechanisms for conflict resolution to prevent similar crises in the future.
