The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared invalid the membership registration recently carried out for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State.
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In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher O. Okechukwu, the ADC said the exercise was not conducted by officials recognised by the national headquarters and therefore does not meet constitutional requirements.
Okechukwu explained that Atiku had been repeatedly advised to complete his registration with the duly constituted and authentic ward executives in his locality, but had yet to do so.
According to him, “This registration was conducted through individuals who are not recognised by the ADC’s National Headquarters and therefore lack the authority to register new members. We have consistently urged Mr Abubakar to complete his registration with the duly constituted and authentic party executives in his locality, a step he has yet to take.”
The ADC leadership urged Atiku and his associates to respect the party’s rules, stressing that the ADC is “not a vehicle for personal ambition” but a platform committed to democratic renewal.
Okechukwu further suggested that the development mirrored “a broader strategy to leverage the ADC while awaiting reconciliation with the PDP,” a pattern he said had been observed in the past.
He added that Atiku would enjoy full membership rights only after regularising his registration with the officially recognised ward authorities.
The party’s clarification comes amid an ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC, currently before the Federal High Court, over the legitimacy of the faction led by David Mark. Okechukwu said Atiku’s case must be viewed within the context of this internal dispute.
Earlier on Monday, Atiku had publicly registered as an ADC member in Adamawa—a move widely interpreted as a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who contested the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu respectively. He resigned from the PDP two months ago following prolonged tensions with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies.
The development has deepened political conversations nationwide, with ADC leaders like Dr. Ibrahim Gamawa, the party’s National Chairman, urging Nigerians to “vote wisely or face continued suffering” as the nation prepares for another election cycle.
