The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued an ultimatum to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and other prominent figures.
The party warned they risk losing their their recognition if they fail to register at their respective wards before the end of the year.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, recently reaffirmed the caucus’s resolution that all coalition members resign from their current parties and register fully with the ADC.
There are speculations that Atiku is weighing his chances of clinching the ADC’s presidential ticket, particularly in light of the growing influence of the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, within the party.
However, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, in an interview with Punch, stated that Atiku and other prominent coalition figures risk losing recognition as members if they fail to register with the party.
According to Yohanna, the leaders of the coalition cannot be making decisions for the ADC when they are not constitutionally members.
Yohanna said the party had unveiled its membership register, emphasising that it will acknowledge only those with valid membership cards.
He said, “Atiku Abubakar should go to his ward in Jada Local Government and register, Babachir should go to his ward in Hong Local Government and register. That is the only way they can be treated as legitimate members of the party.
“You cannot be taking decisions for a party you are not constitutionally a member of. All of you should register for the greatness of our party.
“It is illegal for someone to hold a leadership position in the party at the national level without being a registered member. That makes a caricature of the party.”
Yohanna also boasted that the unfriendly policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress will help the party secure victory in the 2027 election.
He added, “The unfriendly policies of the present government have paved the way for our party to take over and reposition the country for authentic democracy.”
