Atiku’s Suspension: “Ignore Them, It’s the Work of Indian Hemp Smokers” — Babachir Lawal

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has dismissed claims that Atiku Abubakar and other party figures were suspended from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as illegitimate and lacking authority.

The controversy follows a press conference by a factional figure, Raji Zumo, who announced the suspension of Atiku, Lawal, and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim.

Reacting to the development, Lawal rejected the announcement, insisting that Zumo does not hold a recognised position within the party structure to make such a decision. He urged party members and the public to disregard the claim.

Similarly, the ADC chairman in Adamawa State, Shehu Yohanna, also disowned the suspension, stating that Zumo had long ceased to be part of the party’s leadership. Yohanna said Zumo previously served as his deputy but had been absent from party activities before resurfacing with the announcement.

The dispute adds to ongoing internal divisions within the ADC in Adamawa, where multiple factions have emerged over leadership struggles.

Meanwhile, a High Court sitting in Yola has intervened in the party’s affairs. Presided over by Ahmed Isa, the court ordered the suspension of planned ADC congresses in the state pending the determination of a suit challenging the process.

The case was filed by Yohanna, who argued that he was excluded from the planning of the congresses. The court adjourned proceedings to April 15, 2026.

Lawal said he was unaware of the court’s ruling at the time of inquiry, noting that he was in Abuja and had no details of the proceedings.

The ADC chapter in Adamawa has faced prolonged instability, with competing factions contesting control of the party since last year.