How Can an APC Governor Fund Us? – ADC Debunks Allegations of AbdulRazaq Sponsoring the Party

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The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected allegations suggesting that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is secretly financing its activities. Party leaders described the accusation as unfounded and politically mischievous.

The controversy emerged after a group identifying itself as the Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC) alleged that the governor, despite leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, was discreetly backing the ADC. The claim immediately sparked reactions within political circles, especially as the state gradually shifts attention toward future electoral contests.

Speaking during a media interaction, Prof. Isa Gana, a senior ADC stalwart and former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, dismissed the allegation outright. He described it as a fabrication lacking both evidence and logical reasoning. According to him, the party had never received any form of financial assistance from the state government or its officials.

Gana, who once served as Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and represents Kwara North Senatorial District, expressed surprise at the identity of the group making the accusation. He stated that he had no prior knowledge of any such commission operating within the district, adding that credible claims should come from verifiable sources.

Questioning the rationale behind the allegation, he argued that it defies political common sense for a sitting governor under the APC to bankroll a rival political platform seeking to displace his party from power. In his view, such a scenario would contradict basic political strategy and party loyalty.

He further clarified that the ADC’s growth in Kwara has been driven by grassroots mobilisation and internal organisation rather than external sponsorship. The party, he noted, is positioning itself as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections, focusing on expanding its structures across local governments and strengthening community engagement.

At no time, he emphasized, has there been any formal or informal collaboration between the ADC and the current state administration. The party’s activities, according to him, are independently funded and coordinated through its members and supporters.

Gana also cautioned political actors against spreading narratives that could mislead the public or distract from substantive issues. He maintained that healthy political competition should be built on ideas and performance rather than speculation and unverified allegations.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The exchange highlights the growing tension in Kwara’s political environment as parties prepare for the 2027 elections. Allegations of cross-party sponsorship often surface in competitive states, especially where opposition parties begin to gain visibility. However, without verifiable evidence, such claims can appear as attempts to undermine emerging platforms.

From a strategic standpoint, it would indeed be unusual for a governor to financially empower a rival party that could threaten his political dominance. While Nigerian politics has witnessed unexpected alliances in the past, overt or covert sponsorship of a direct competitor remains rare and politically risky.

The ADC’s firm denial signals its intent to assert independence and strengthen its credibility among voters. As political alignments continue to evolve, observers will likely monitor how parties in Kwara navigate narratives of influence, loyalty, and funding transparency.

Ultimately, the unfolding debate underscores a broader truth about democratic politics: accusations alone cannot substitute for proof. For now, the ADC appears determined to build its platform on self-driven mobilisation rather than perceived patronage.