No Parallel Congress Held in Plateau State, Says Dalung
By Yakubu Busari
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Plateau State Chapter confirmed that no parallel congress took place, despite claims to the contrary. The National Secretariat verified the legitimacy of the membership.
During a state congress on Saturday, chaired by former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, and supervised by the National Secretariat led by Hon. Abdulkareem Usman, the situation was clarified.
Political mudslingers claimed that a parallel congress occurred, led by Ambassador Hanatu Gagara, while Samuel Gyang was said to be aligned with Dalung’s camp.
Political analysts argued that having INEC officials oversee Ambassador Hanatu Gagara’s congress at Murtala Muhammad House, while ignoring the official National Secretariat of ADC, was a clear violation of the party’s constitution as a registered party in Nigeria.
Barr. Solomon Dalung, the National leader of the ADC in Plateau State, told journalists that it was strange to hear of a parallel congress. “But it is politics; you don’t lack such,” he said.
He explained that the ADC congress began on March 29, 2026, with all stakeholders and INEC present, confirming David Mark’s leadership. However, someone who resigned later suddenly claimed they should be there, which Dalung found unusual.
Dalung confirmed that ADC congresses were held nationwide, though some faced challenges. In Plateau State, from the wards to the state level, the process went smoothly.
He further stated that the National Secretariat formed a five-member congress committee and a screening panel, which conducted the election at Kalwa House. All delegates participated, and the consensus decision was endorsed.
Dalung attributed the delay in starting the congress to disagreements over timing, as the party had to accommodate all contenders.
After extensive discussions, new executives were elected in accordance with the ADC constitution. Hearing about a parallel congress was therefore surprising.
He assured that reports would be submitted to the national secretariat and that the matter would be resolved amicably.
Dalung added that the exercise adhered to the tradition of micro-zoning, which divides political positions among the three geopolitical zones of Plateau State. The Chairmanship was zoned to Plateau North, and the Governorship to the Central zone, with no breaches.
He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the ADC congress in Plateau State and urged the new executives to work diligently and unify party members.
