Kebbi ADC Candidate Fights Back: Forged Withdrawal Papers Can't Steal Our Mandate
Abubakar Sadiq Saadu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/Danko-Wasagu Federal Constituency in Kebbi State, has refused to back down. He's challenging an alleged forged affidavit that claims he withdrew from the 2027 House of Representatives race, and he's calling it exactly what it is: a dirty game.
In a statement fired off from Birnin Kebbi on Friday, Saadu made it crystal clear that the document floating around is pure forgery. He's demanding a full investigation and prosecution of whoever is behind this move to snatch the people's mandate.
What's the story behind the alleged forged withdrawal?
Saadu won the ADC primary for the constituency, and his name was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party's official candidate. Then, out of nowhere, an affidavit surfaced. It's dated July 28, 2026, and was allegedly sworn before a Commissioner for Oath at the High Court of Justice in Maitama, Abuja.
The document, carrying Affidavit Code 6A68730EA37ED, falsely claims Saadu voluntarily stepped aside from the race. But the man says he never showed up, never signed anything, and never authorized anyone to swear on his behalf.
“My passport photograph, which I submitted to the ADC, was used to fraudulently swear the oath,” Saadu alleged.
How did Saadu respond to the alleged forgery?
This candidate isn't taking any chances. He's already sworn a counter-affidavit at the High Court of Justice in Garki, Abuja, on August 14, 2026. A suit has been filed, and it's scheduled for hearing on Monday, August 17.
Saadu also pointed out some glaring red flags in the alleged forged document: a computer-generated letterhead, an incorrect address, and even the wrong name of the party. That's not just sloppy; it's evidence that the whole thing is a sham.
What does Saadu want INEC and security agencies to do?
He's calling on INEC to ignore the purported withdrawal affidavit and check its own official records to confirm he's the duly nominated candidate. But he's not stopping there. Saadu has also dragged the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC, and DSS into the matter, demanding they investigate the forgery and bring the culprits to book.
He's also asking the Chief Judge of the FCT and the Nigerian Bar Association to look into how an affidavit was allegedly sworn before a Commissioner for Oath. If any judicial officer or lawyer is found complicit, Saadu wants them to face disciplinary and legal action.
Is there a plan to replace Saadu with a new primary?
Word on the street is that another primary election is being planned for August 18 and 19, supposedly to replace him. Saadu is having none of it. He's urging INEC and the ADC to disregard that plan, describing it as a desperate attempt to undermine his candidature.
Here's the kicker: the person being positioned as his replacement allegedly wasn't even a member of the ADC when INEC's online membership registration closed. So legally, that person can't replace any candidate with a valid primary.
“Therefore, no possibility for him to replace any candidate with a valid primary,” Saadu warned, adding that failure to address the matter could spark tension in the constituency.
What's next for Saadu and the constituency?
Saadu is standing firm. He's reaffirmed his commitment to representing the people of Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/Danko-Wasagu, and he's made it clear their mandate is not for sale. He's ready to pursue this through every legal channel until all those responsible are held accountable.
This is about more than one man's candidacy. It's about protecting the integrity of our elections and sending a message that Nigerians won't be silenced by forged documents and backroom deals. The people have spoken, and no amount of ink on fake paper is going to change that.