The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has clarified that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has not completed a valid membership registration with the party. The clarification came after reports that Atiku had registered at Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
In a statement issued by Christopher O. Okechukwu, ADC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, the party explained that the individuals who conducted the registration exercise in Jada were not recognised by the national headquarters, making the process invalid.
Okechukwu said the party had repeatedly advised Atiku to register through the duly constituted ward executives in his locality but that step had not yet been taken.
He described the Jada registration as a violation of the party’s constitution, stressing that those involved lacked the authority to enrol new members. The ADC, he noted, is committed to democratic renewal and not designed as a tool for personal ambition.
The leadership also expressed concern that the move appeared to be part of a strategy for Atiku to leverage the ADC while he awaits possible reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a pattern the party believes mirrors past political behaviour.
Okechukwu added that Atiku would be granted full rights and privileges only after he regularises his membership with recognised ward leaders. He also noted that the ADC was currently experiencing a leadership dispute, with a case before the Federal High Court over the legitimacy of the David Mark–led faction, and that Atiku’s potential membership must be viewed within this context.
Earlier in the day, Atiku publicly announced his defection to the ADC through his official X handle, posting photographs of himself holding his membership card and a customised “Waziri 01” jersey during a brief ceremony in Yola. His registration was seen as a significant shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially following his departure from the PDP after a prolonged conflict with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies.
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Atiku, a former PDP presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, resigned from the party two months earlier. His exit came shortly after INEC recognised the David Mark led ADC and as the party prepared for nationwide membership registration ahead of congresses scheduled for February next year.
Meanwhile, ADC National Vice Chairman Senator Suleiman Nazif Gamawa said the party was positioned to become a major force in the 2027 elections. Speaking in Bauchi, he insisted that the ADC could win without sitting governors, citing former President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory against an incumbent as proof that political upsets are possible.
Gamawa dismissed claims of crisis within the ADC and encouraged politicians dissatisfied with their current platforms to join the party. He also promised affordable nomination forms, inclusive participation, and a renewed commitment to youth mentorship and political empowerment.
He urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote wisely, warning that failure to participate would continue to worsen the country’s leadership challenges.
