ADC Warns Atiku, Babachir Lawal: Register Before Year-End or Lose Membership Rights

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has given a clear deadline to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and other influential politicians associated with the party, demanding they formalize their membership at the ward level before December ends or risk being excluded from party activities.

Addressing journalists in Yola, Adamawa State ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, explained that the party had launched a comprehensive membership register and emphasized that only individuals with valid membership cards would be regarded as bonafide members.

“Atiku must return to his ward in Jada Local Government to complete his registration, just as Babachir Lawal must do the same in Hong. Without that process, their membership cannot be recognized” Yohanna insisted. He cautioned that it was unconstitutional for anyone to attempt to influence party decisions without being duly registered.

Yohanna stressed that no leader at the national level should operate outside the rules. “It is unacceptable for people to occupy positions of influence in a party they have not officially joined. This undermines our credibility as a political movement” he said.

Only last week, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi reaffirmed the party’s position that coalition members must cut ties with other platforms and register exclusively with the ADC. The call, however, was brushed aside by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku’s much-publicized plan to register in August in his hometown of Jada was unexpectedly suspended, fueling speculation about his future political moves. Insiders suggest that he is weighing the possibility of seeking the ADC presidential ticket in 2027, especially as Peter Obi’s political base continues to gain traction within the party.

Yohanna dismissed the ruling APC and the opposition PDP as incapable of winning future elections, insisting that the ADC had the structures and influential figures needed to seize power in 2027. “The current administration’s unfriendly policies have created an opening for the ADC to step in and offer genuine leadership” he said.

Responding to speculation about leadership disputes within Adamawa ADC, Yohanna affirmed his position as the legally recognized chairman. “My tenure runs until 2026 according to the party’s constitution. Nobody can unseat me. The ADC is not a personal empire; it is a political institution established under the vision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo” he noted.

He further argued that ADC governorship hopefuls in Adamawa and across Nigeria possess some of the strongest credentials in the country, which he believes gives the party a competitive edge heading into the 2027 polls.