Register as member before taking party decisions, Adamawa ADC tells Atiku

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa has issued Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president, to register as a member of the party before the year ends.

In an interview with Punch, Shehu Yohanna, ADC chairman in Adamawa, said by the end of the ultimatum, only registered members would enjoy bona fide rights

“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,” Yohanna said.

“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.”

Last week, Bolaji Abdullahi, interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, said the coalition directed all members to resign from their former parties. 

“Though a final order has been given to all members to resign their membership of other political parties, the caucus was silent on the timeline,” Abdullahi said.

In July, opposition politicians and some ADC leaders adopted the party as the coalition platform for the 2027 elections.

Some of the coalition members include Atiku Abubakar; Uche Secondus, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023; Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation; and Odigie Oyegun, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mark, the former senate president; Rauf Aregbesola, an ex-minister of interior, and Bolaji Abdullahi, a former minister of sports, were appointed interim chairman, secretary, and spokesperson, respectively.

The party also appointed other members to the various NWC positions.

Early this month, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised Mark-led leadership.

Last week, the Obidient Movement demanded the zoning of the ADC presidential ticket, adding that Obi would consult widely before switching parties.