The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a deadline to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and other high-profile members to register at their ward levels before year’s end or risk losing recognition in the party.
Adamawa State ADC chairman, Shehu Yohanna, disclosed this in an interview with Punch, insisting that only those with valid membership cards would be regarded as legitimate members.
“Atiku Abubakar should go to his ward in Jada Local Government and register, Babachir should do the same in Hong Local Government.
“That is the only way they can be treated as legitimate members of the party,” Yohanna said.
He warned that party leadership positions cannot be held by individuals who are not formally registered. “It is illegal for anyone to hold a leadership position at the national level without being a registered member. That makes a caricature of the party,” he added.
The ultimatum follows last Thursday’s resolution by the ADC caucus, which directed coalition members to resign from their old parties and fully register with the ADC, a decision dismissed by both the APC and PDP as inconsequential.
Atiku’s planned registration in Jada, earlier slated for August, was abruptly suspended without explanation.
Party insiders told The PUNCH that the former Vice President is still weighing his chances of contesting for the ADC’s presidential ticket, particularly amid the rising influence of Peter Obi’s movement within the party.
Yohanna dismissed the APC and PDP as incapable of challenging the ADC in the 2027 general elections, insisting that the ruling party’s “unfriendly policies” had created room for the ADC to emerge stronger.
He also rejected reports of crisis in the Adamawa chapter, maintaining that his tenure as chairman runs until 2026. “The ADC is not anyone’s estate; it is a political party registered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo,” he declared.
According to him, the ADC’s governorship aspirants possess some of the best credentials in Adamawa and across the country.