2027: Borno ADC leadership crisis deepens as faction recognizes Magira as guber candidate

A leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Borno State has deepened after a faction led by Dr Muhammad Khala recognised Attom Muhammad Magira as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The Khala faction based its decision on a recent Court of Appeal judgment in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/608/2026 concerning the leadership of the party’s state executives.

However, the acting chairman of the ADC in Borno State, Bukar Kolo, rejected Magira’s recognition, insisting that the party’s governorship primary conducted by its national leadership produced Babagana Buhari as the candidate.

Kolo said the Court of Appeal judgment cited by the Khala faction did not declare Magira the party’s governorship candidate.

He also said Magira participated in the primary that produced Buhari and questioned how he could subsequently emerge as the party’s candidate.

According to Kolo, the leadership dispute that formed the basis of the Court of Appeal case remains subject to further legal proceedings, with the matter now before the Supreme Court.

Reacting, Magira welcomed the Khala faction’s decision and said he respected the Court of Appeal judgment and would abide by the outcome of the judicial process.

He also challenged Kolo to provide evidence of his position as acting chairman of the party in Borno State.

The opposing positions have left the Borno ADC with competing claims over its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.