ADC Provides Clarification on Atiku’s Membership Status

The national leadership of a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, has clarified the membership status of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The faction stated that Atiku’s recent registration at Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area was not conducted by officials recognized by the party’s national headquarters. The ADC emphasized that Atiku has yet to complete his membership registration with the duly constituted ward executives in his locality, despite repeated advisories to do so.

In a statement, the party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher O. Okechukwu, described the registration as a violation of ADC’s constitution and established procedures. “This registration was conducted through individuals who are not recognized by the ADC National Headquarters and therefore lack the authority to register new members,” he said. “We have consistently urged Mr. Abubakar to complete his registration with the authentic party executives in his locality, a step he has yet to take.”

The ADC urged Atiku and his associates to approach the situation with understanding, stressing that the party is not a vehicle for personal ambition but a movement committed to democratic renewal. “We are concerned that this action may be part of a broader strategy to leverage the ADC while awaiting reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a pattern we have observed in the past,” Okechukwu added.

He further called on Atiku to regularize his membership by registering with the officially recognized party leadership in his local government, noting that upon doing so, he would be entitled to all rights and privileges stipulated by the ADC constitution.

The party is currently navigating a leadership dispute, with a case pending at the Federal High Court regarding the legitimacy of David Mark’s leadership. It is against this backdrop that coalition partners’ and Atiku’s potential membership is being considered.

“The ADC remains committed to transparency, democratic process, respect for leadership structures, and adherence to party rules. We look forward to collaborative engagement to strengthen unity and stability within the party,” Okechukwu concluded.

Meanwhile, NIGERIA NEWS 247 reported that Atiku officially announced his association with the ADC on Monday via his X account, posting a photo of himself holding his membership card with the caption: “It’s official.” This follows his resignation from the PDP in July amid prolonged internal party crises.