ADC Adamawa Gives Atiku, Lawal Deadline to Obtain Membership Cards

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has given former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and other prominent politicians a deadline to formalize their membership by registering at their respective wards before the end of the year or risk losing recognition in the party.

Speaking in Yola, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, said the party had unveiled its membership register and insisted that only those who possess valid cards would be treated as legitimate members. He stressed that Atiku must register in Jada Local Government, while Babachir Lawal must do so in Hong Local Government, if they wish to retain their status in the party.

“You cannot be making decisions for a party when you are not constitutionally recognized as a member,” Yohanna said. “It is illegal for anyone to hold a leadership position at the national level without being properly registered.”

Last week, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, reiterated the caucus’ resolution that all coalition members must resign from their current parties and fully register with the ADC. The directive has been dismissed by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku’s highly publicized registration exercise in Jada, earlier scheduled for August, was suspended indefinitely without explanation. Party sources say the former Vice President is still weighing his chances of contesting for the ADC’s presidential ticket, especially as Peter Obi’s growing political movement continues to gain ground within the party.

Yohanna declared that both the APC and PDP lack the capacity to stop the ADC in the 2027 general elections, pointing to what he described as the ruling government’s “unfriendly policies” as an opportunity for the ADC to take power and “reposition the country for authentic democracy.”

On the reported leadership tussle in Adamawa, Yohanna dismissed claims of division, insisting that he remains the legitimate chairman until 2026 when his tenure expires. He also praised the quality of ADC’s governorship aspirants, saying they rank among the best in the state and across Nigeria.