The Nafiu Bala-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s registration in Adamawa State, insisting he is not yet a recognised member of the party.
Atiku had publicly collected his ADC membership card at Jada 1 Ward, but the party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechukwu, said the exercise was conducted by individuals not authorised by the party’s national leadership. He stressed that the registration violated internal procedures and therefore “lacked the authority to admit new members.”
According to the faction, Atiku has been repeatedly advised to complete his registration only with the authentic ward executives in his locality—a step he has not taken. The group suggested his move might be part of a broader political strategy while awaiting possible reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party.
Okechukwu urged Atiku to follow due process, assuring him of full rights once he registers properly.
The development comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC, with the legitimacy of David Mark’s national leadership currently before the Federal High Court. The party says the crisis must be resolved before bringing in coalition partners, including Atiku’s camp.
Atiku resigned from the PDP in July and declared that “the real opposition has begun” as he received his ADC card, vowing to help unseat the ruling APC in 2027. His registration was witnessed by Adamawa ADC chairman Shehu Yohanna, members of the party’s Registration and Mobilisation Committee, and several prominent politicians including former Governor Bindow Jibrilla and Senator Aishatu Binani.
His move aligns with a broader opposition coalition involving Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai, Babachir Lawal and others, who previously agreed to adopt the ADC as a united platform against the APC.
However, the ADC faction’s rejection of his registration now threatens to creccate fresh tension within the emerging opposition alliance.
