The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and other political figures in its coalition to formalize their membership by registering at their wards before the end of the year.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, recently restated the caucus’s resolution that coalition leaders must resign from their current political parties and officially obtain ADC membership cards.
There are growing speculations that Atiku may be eyeing the ADC presidential ticket ahead of 2027, especially with the increasing influence of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, within the ADC.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, warned that Atiku and others risk losing recognition as members if they fail to register properly with the party. He stressed that the ADC would only recognize individuals whose names appear in its membership register.
“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 said.
He further stated: “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 also expressed confidence that Nigerians are disenchanted with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming its unpopular policies have created an opportunity for the ADC to emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections.
