The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Senator Sabo Nakudu, has dismissed calls for his replacement following allegations that he was indicted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing the petition against him as a deliberate attempt to stir unnecessary controversy.
A statement signed by his campaign spokesperson, Mati Ali, Nakudu said, “We categorically, unequivocally and unreservedly reject the petition in its entirety. Its contents are false, malicious, defamatory and deliberately crafted to tarnish the impeccable reputation, credibility and political standing of the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State, Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu.”
Senator Nakudu said the allegations against him were part of a coordinated smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by political opponents unsettled by the growing popularity and widespread support for the Sabo Mohammed Nakudu/Mallam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim governorship ticket across Jigawa State.
He said, “Their desperation is further fuelled by the unmistakable reality that the ADC has emerged as the most formidable political alternative ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“We are not oblivious to the identities of those behind this coordinated smear campaign. They include disgruntled political actors within and outside our party who never reconciled themselves with the outcome of the party’s democratic processes and have chosen to collaborate with vested interests in the ruling establishment to undermine the collective aspirations of the people of Jigawa State.”
He added that their mission was simple: to distract the candidate, weaken the ADC and halt the momentum of a movement that, according to him, has continued to inspire hope across the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu has never been convicted of, nor found culpable for, any act of corruption or misconduct as maliciously insinuated by the petitioners. The allegations they seek to recycle are old political narratives that have repeatedly surfaced during election seasons without resulting in any lawful conviction against him,” he said.
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BACKSTORY:
The controversy followed a petition reportedly calling on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to replace its Jigawa State governorship candidate, Senator Sabo Nakudu, over allegations that he had been indicted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The petition alleged that the purported indictment made Nakudu unfit to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming governorship election. However, the senator has strongly denied the allegations, insisting he has not been convicted of any offence and describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Nakudu further argued that the petition was part of a coordinated smear campaign designed to undermine his candidacy and weaken the growing support for the ADC’s governorship ticket in Jigawa State. He maintained that those behind the allegations were attempting to create unnecessary controversy ahead of the election.
The development comes as political parties continue to finalise their preparations for the 2027 general elections, with candidates facing increased scrutiny over their eligibility, integrity and suitability for public office.
