The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from the recent registration of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the process as irregular and carried out by individuals with no authority from the party’s headquarters.
In a statement issued on Monday by the ADC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher O. Okechukwu, the party explained that Atiku’s registration at Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State did not follow established procedures and was not conducted by officials recognised by the authentic ward executive committee.
According to the statement, the party has “on several occasions” advised Atiku to present himself for proper registration with the constitutionally recognised ward leadership in his locality, but he has yet to comply.
Okechukwu said:
“This registration exercise was handled by persons who are not acknowledged by the ADC’s National Headquarters and therefore lack the authority to admit new members. We have repeatedly urged Mr. Abubakar to complete his membership registration through the legitimate party executives, but this has not happened.”
He appealed to the former Vice President and his team to act in good faith and avoid actions that undermine the party’s internal processes, noting that the ADC is “not a tool for personal political ambition but a movement driven by democratic values.”
The party spokesman further suggested that the development might be linked to a broader political strategy, referencing what he described as a recurring pattern of leveraging the ADC while keeping options open for reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He added:
“The ADC national leadership considers this action inconsistent with our constitution. We are concerned it may be part of a wider plan by Mr. Abubakar and his allies. We again call on him to regularise his membership with the officially recognised party structures.”
Okechukwu also highlighted that the ADC is currently dealing with an internal leadership dispute, now before the Federal High Court, concerning the legitimacy of David Mark’s leadership faction.
He noted that Atiku’s potential membership is being assessed within this context.
Despite the tensions, the ADC reiterated its commitment to transparency, due process and respect for party structures, expressing hope for constructive engagement aimed at strengthening unity and stability within its ranks.
