The Borno State Police Command has invited key members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including the party’s transition management committee chairman, Hon. Ali Wurge, and embattled state party chairman Alhaji Umara Bolori, over a leadership crisis that shook the chapter.
The invitation came on Friday after an internal dispute over the composition of the interim management committee set up by the ADC national secretariat to oversee party affairs ahead of internal elections.
Wurge was addressing journalists at the ADC secretariat along Galadima Junction/Abbaganaram Road in Maiduguri when he saw a group of armed policemen around the office. He was informed that his presence and that of other committee members were needed at the Borno State Police Command to discuss the crisis.
The leadership crisis began after the inauguration of the interim committee last Monday. Bolori reportedly denounced the committee, saying he would not recognise the interim structure led by Wurge. His supporters protested the committee, leading to clashes at the event.
The confrontation quickly turned violent, with about eleven party members and security officers sustaining injuries during the disturbance. The dispute also saw the destruction of eight vehicles belonging to ADC members and the vandalising of a police vehicle, according to Wurge’s account.
Before his invitation to the police command, Wurge described the incident as more than a protest. He said it was an orchestrated attack against democratic order and not a simple disagreement within the party.
He accused unnamed individuals loyal to a “political despot” of instigating violence at the gathering.
Wurge defended the legitimacy of the interim committee, saying it was established “in full conformity with the ADC constitution and election guidelines,” and ratified by the National Working Committee of the party. He also noted that Bolori, as the state chairman, was automatically a member of the committee by virtue of his position.
In response to the clashes and crisis, the ADC’s national leadership has condemned the disruption of party activities and called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the violent attacks against its members.
The party said the inauguration of the transitional committee and membership registration committee was lawful and in line with party rules.
The ADC has urged authorities to professionally probe the violence, ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted, and protect the party’s internal processes and unity. Officials reiterated that the party is committed to peaceful political engagement, internal democracy and the rule of law.
Observers say the outcome of police engagement with ADC leaders could shape the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections and clarify the leadership vacuum at the state level.
