The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern ultimatum to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and other high-profile politicians affiliated with the party, demanding they register at their respective wards by the end of the year or risk losing recognition as legitimate members.
This warning was delivered by the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, during an exclusive interview in Yola. Yohanna announced the unveiling of the party’s official membership register and emphasised that only those with valid registration at the ward level would be acknowledged as bona fide members.
“Atiku Abubakar should go to his ward in Jada Local Government and register, Babachir should go to his ward in Hong Local Government and register. That is the only way they can be treated as legitimate members of the party,” Yohanna stated.
He warned that political influence alone would not be enough to hold leadership positions within the ADC.
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“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,” he declared.
This ultimatum comes on the heels of a directive issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who reaffirmed the ADC caucus’ resolution that all coalition members must resign from their current political parties and fully commit to the ADC. The directive has been dismissed as inconsequential by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Atiku’s anticipated registration event, scheduled for August in his hometown of Jada, was abruptly suspended last month without any official explanation. Sources close to the matter suggest the former Vice President is weighing his chances of securing the ADC’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, particularly in light of Peter Obi’s growing influence within the party.
Yohanna also took a swipe at the APC and PDP, asserting that both parties are incapable of defeating the ADC in the upcoming general elections.
“The unfriendly policies of the present government have paved the way for our party to take over and reposition the country for authentic democracy,” he said.
Addressing rumours of a leadership crisis in the Adamawa chapter of the party, Yohanna insisted that he remains the legitimate chairman.
“My tenure expires in 2026 based on the constitution of the party, so nobody can remove me from office. The ADC is not the estate of anyone; it is a political party registered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo,” he asserted.
Yohanna concluded by praising the quality of the ADC’s governorship aspirants, saying their credentials are among the best not just in Adamawa, but across the country.
