ADC to Atiku, Babachir: Register Now or Lose Recognition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has issued a stern ultimatum to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and other prominent politicians within its fold. The party insists that all leaders and stakeholders must register for membership at their respective wards before the end of the year, or risk losing recognition as legitimate members.

Speaking in Yola, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, stressed that only those who hold valid membership cards will be acknowledged as bona fide members of the party. He made it clear that Atiku must register in Jada Local Government Area, while Babachir Lawal should do so in Hong Local Government, if they wish to retain their standing.

“You cannot be taking decisions for a party you are not constitutionally a member of. All of you should register for the greatness of our party. It is illegal for someone to hold a leadership position in the party at the national level without being a registered member. That makes a caricature of the party,” Yohanna declared.

National Leadership and Party Directions

This development comes after the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, reaffirmed a caucus resolution last week. The directive required all coalition members to resign from their current political affiliations and register fully with the ADC. While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the directive as inconsequential, the ADC insists it is necessary for credibility and cohesion.

Atiku’s planned membership registration exercise, which was scheduled to take place in August in his hometown of Jada, was abruptly suspended without explanation. Party insiders suggest the delay may be linked to Atiku’s ongoing consultations, as he reportedly weighs his chances of securing the ADC’s presidential ticket for 2027. Observers believe his hesitation also stems from the rising influence of Peter Obi’s political base within the party.

ADC’s Political Confidence Ahead of 2027

Despite internal disputes, Yohanna expressed optimism about the ADC’s capacity to emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections. He dismissed both the APC and PDP as incapable of providing solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, arguing that their governance track records have left the country at a crossroads.

“The unfriendly policies of the present government have paved the way for our party to take over and reposition the country for authentic democracy,” Yohanna said, stressing that the ADC’s pool of influential figures places it in a strong position to wrest power from the APC.

He also defended his leadership position amid reports of internal wrangling in the party’s Adamawa chapter. According to him, his tenure as state chairman remains valid until 2026. “The ADC is not the estate of anyone; it is a political party registered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo,” he declared. Yohanna further added that ADC’s governorship aspirants possess some of the strongest political credentials in Adamawa and across Nigeria.