Mark Aba, Abuja
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has dismissed media reports claiming that its National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, has been suspended, describing the publications as misleading and a misrepresentation of the resolutions of its National Working Committee (NWC).
The party maintained that Sani remains its duly elected National Chairman, whose mandate was renewed at the National Convention held on May 29 and 30, 2026.
It also reaffirmed that the operative decision of the Emergency NWC meeting held on November 4, 2026, was the interim suspension of its National Secretary, Victor Fingesi, pending disciplinary investigation and ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, stated this in a statement issued in response to reports published by Vanguard and Blueprint newspapers on November 6, 2026, with the headline, “ADP Suspends National Chairman Yabagi Sani Over Alleged Forgery.”
According to the party, the reports wrongly presented contested allegations and purported proceedings as established institutional decisions of the ADP.
It specifically rejected claims of forgery, unauthorised interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, financial impropriety and anti-party activities against the National Chairman.
Clarifying the outcome of the November 4 emergency meeting, the party said the NWC deliberated on disciplinary concerns involving Fingesi, including alleged insubordination, refusal to comply with lawful directives and conduct considered capable of undermining party unity and institutional integrity.
It explained that the meeting also considered Fingesi’s responses to previous queries and his alleged refusal to retract statements challenged by the party leadership or tender an apology.
The statement disclosed that the National Special Duties Secretary and Acting Deputy National Secretary, Ms. Fatima Sani Muhammed, moved a motion urging the NWC to exercise its emergency powers under Article 23.2(e) of the ADP Constitution 2026.
The motion sought Fingesi’s immediate interim suspension from the functions of National Secretary, the commencement of a disciplinary investigation and the referral of the decision to the NEC for ratification.
The party said the motion was seconded and adopted at the meeting, with the suspension taking effect from November 4.
It further noted that Fingesi and the National Youth Leader, Ike Chinazam, were among those present at the meeting, alongside other NWC members who constituted a quorum.
“The suspension was an interim disciplinary measure and did not amount to a final determination of guilt. Further procedures would be followed before the appropriate party organs,” Dawop explàined.
On the allegations against Sani, the party described claims of forgery, manipulation of the INEC nomination portal and financial misconduct as serious issues that must be supported by credible evidence and subjected to proper investigation.
“The National Chairman had rejected the allegations and challenged those making them to present verifiable evidence to the appropriate investigative and judicial authorities.
“The allegations could not be used to circumvent constitutional procedures or justify what it described as an unauthorised attempt to take over its leadership.”
On the alleged irregularities involving its INEC nomination portal, the ADP said it had previously raised concerns about suspected unauthorised access and activities on the platform.
It called for independent investigation, preservation of relevant electronic records and cooperation with INEC and security agencies to establish those responsible.
However, it cautioned that the existence of such concerns did not, in itself, establish wrongdoing against the National Chairman or any other individual.
Addressing concerns over party finances, the ADP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the proper management of party resources.
It said any request for an audit of its accounts must be handled through the appropriate constitutional organs and established financial procedures, stressing that allegations of financial misconduct must be backed by identifiable transactions and documentary evidence.
The party also warned against the use of its name, official letterhead and communication channels to misrepresent resolutions or create an impression of authority not lawfully established.
It specifically cautioned that any communication purportedly issued on behalf of the NWC to INEC or other institutions must reflect decisions genuinely reached in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“It would take appropriate constitutional and legal steps against any communication or action found to misrepresent its resolutions.
“While acknowledging the importance of press freedom and responsible journalism, the party urged Vanguard, Blueprint and other media organisations to verify allegations concerning its leadership and provide all relevant parties with an opportunity to respond,” the party explained.
It also called on the newspapers to publish its clarification with appropriate prominence and distinguish allegations by interested parties from verified decisions of the party’s constituted organs.
Reaffirming Sani’s commitment to party unity and constitutional order, the ADP said it would not allow internal disagreements or disputed claims of authority to distract it from preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party urged its members, candidates, state chapters and supporters to remain calm, disciplined and focused on its collective objectives.
It reiterated that the November 4 NWC meeting resolved to suspend Fingesi from the functions of National Secretary pending disciplinary investigation and NEC ratification, insisting that the party would continue to uphold its constitution and due process.
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