Adamawa ADC Gives Atiku Ultimatum to pick Registration form or Lose Membership

By Charles Maduka

The African Democratic Congress in Adamawa State has given former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and other prominent figures an ultimatum to register at their respective wards before the end of the year or risk losing their membership status.

Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, told The PUNCH in Yola that the party had launched its membership register and would only recognise individuals with valid membership cards.

“Atiku Abubakar should go to his ward in Jada Local Government and register, and Babachir should go to his ward in Hong Local Government. That is the only way they can be treated as legitimate members of the party,” Yohanna said.

“You cannot take 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,” he added.

Last Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, reaffirmed the caucus’ directive that all coalition members resign from their current parties and register fully with the ADC. The directive was dismissed as inconsequential by both the APC and the PDP.

Atiku’s planned membership registration in Jada, initially scheduled for August, was suspended indefinitely last month without explanation.

Party insiders say Atiku is considering vying for the ADC’s presidential ticket, especially as Peter Obi’s political movement gains influence within the party. Yohanna, however, expressed confidence that the ADC can defeat both the APC and PDP in the 2027 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 stated.

On the reported crisis in the party’s Adamawa chapter, Yohanna insisted he remained 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 said.

He also boasted about the quality of ADC governorship aspirants, saying their credentials rank among the best in Adamawa and across Nigeria.