A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has announced the suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over alleged anti-party activities and failure to regularise their membership.
According to Daily Post on Monday, the faction led by Shehu Yohanna accused both politicians of operating as “ghost members” without valid registration in their respective wards, despite claiming leadership roles within the party.
Speaking on the development, Yohanna stated that neither Atiku nor Lawal could legitimately make decisions for the party without being constitutionally recognised members. He urged Atiku to register in his Jada ward and Lawal in his Hong ward to be acknowledged as bona fide members.
Yohanna further alleged that the two politicians had been circulating “fake documents and fictitious lists” of ADC transitional committee members while assigning positions to individuals who are not party members. He added that consultations with the party’s acting National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and acting Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, confirmed that the lists being circulated were not recognised by the national leadership.
The suspension comes amid a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC in Adamawa State, where at least three factions have been vying for control. The Yohanna-led group claims legitimacy as the original state executive prior to the party’s adoption by a national coalition.
Another faction, led by Sadiq Dasin and backed by Babachir Lawal, enjoys the support of prominent figures including former Governor Jibrilla Bindow, Senators Abdul-Aziz Nyako and Elisha Abbo. A third camp, headed by Saidu Komsiri, is reportedly supported by former Senator Aisha Binani.
Atiku had earlier declared his full support for the Dasin-led transitional leadership, while Lawal rejected Yohanna’s claim to the chairmanship, citing a court ruling he said removed Yohanna from office.
The controversy also centres on party membership registration. Yohanna had previously issued an ultimatum directing Atiku, Lawal and others to register in their wards before the end of last year or risk losing recognition.
However, Atiku’s planned registration in Jada—initially scheduled for August 2025 and later postponed to September—did not take place. Lawal, on his part, dismissed Yohanna’s position as “frivolous,” arguing that ADC rules allow members to register either online or at their wards.
Meanwhile, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, had in October 2025 stated that the party’s National Working Committee recognised Sadiq Dasin as the interim chairman in Adamawa State. The national leadership also acknowledged growing divisions within the state chapter.
In a related development, the Adamawa State High Court in April ordered the suspension of all ADC congresses in the state pending the outcome of a suit filed by Yohanna, who alleged he was excluded from the congress planning process.
The latest move highlights the deepening internal crisis within the ADC in Adamawa as political actors jostle for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.