The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has dismissed media reports that its National Working Committee (NWC) suspended the party National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, insisting that the party’s leadership instead suspended its National Secretary, Hon. Victor Fingesi.
The party described reports published by some media outfits, alleging Sani’s suspension over alleged forgery, financial impropriety and manipulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, as misleading and a misrepresentation of its internal proceedings.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, the ADP maintained that Engr. Sani remained its duly elected National Chairman, whose mandate was renewed at the party’s National Convention held on May 29 and 30, 2026. It said no constitutionally valid decision had been taken to remove or suspend him.
Dawop was reacting to a statement by the National Secretary, Victor Fingesi, announcing Sani’s interim suspension over allegations of forgery of party documents and unauthorised interference with INEC’s candidate nomination portal.
Fingesi had said the notification of the suspension was formally communicated to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, in a letter signed by him. According to Fingesi, the motion for Sani’s interim suspension was moved by the National Legal Adviser, Richard Hwande, seconded by the National Youth Leader, Chinazam Ike, and approved by a majority of NWC members present.
According to the party, the Emergency NWC meeting held on November 4 was primarily convened to address disciplinary concerns involving Fingesi over alleged insubordination, refusal to comply with lawful directives and conduct considered capable of undermining party unity and discipline.
It explained that following deliberations and appeals to Fingesi to retract disputed statements and tender an apology, the National Special Duties Secretary and Acting Deputy National Secretary, Ms. Fatima Sani Muhammed, moved a motion for his interim suspension.
The motion, which was seconded and adopted, reportedly invoked Article 23.2(e) of the ADP Constitution 2026, seeking Fingesi’s immediate suspension from the functions of National Secretary, commencement of disciplinary investigation and referral of the decision to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for ratification.
The party further disclosed that Fingesi and the National Youth Leader, Mr. Ike Chinazam, were among those present at the meeting, alongside other NWC members who constituted a quorum.