A major faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s dramatic entry into the party, declaring that his registration in Adamawa State is invalid and not authorised by the party’s legitimate national leadership.
The statement, issued in Abuja by the Director of Media and Public Affairs of the Nafiu Bala–led faction, Christopher Okechukwu, insisted that Atiku’s high-profile registration on Monday “did not follow due process” and was conducted by individuals who are not recognised by the ADC’s national headquarters.
The development comes less than 24 hours after Atiku publicly received his ADC membership card at Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa, accompanied by a large political delegation and supporters—an event widely interpreted as the beginning of a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Registration Not Authorised — ADC Faction Declares
In the statement, Okechukwu asserted that the party’s national leadership did not sanction the exercise Atiku participated in.
“This registration was conducted by individuals not recognised by the ADC’s National Headquarters and therefore lacked authority to register new members,” Okechukwu said.
He added that the faction had “consistently urged Mr Abubakar to complete his registration with the duly constituted and authentic party executives in his locality, a step he has yet to take.”
According to the faction, until Atiku complies with the proper procedures, he cannot be considered a valid member of the ADC.
Concerns Over Atiku’s Political Intentions
The Nafiu Bala faction went further to question Atiku’s intentions, suggesting that his move to join the ADC may be part of a larger political strategy.
The statement noted that Atiku’s pattern of political movements raised concerns that his ADC entry may be “a broader strategy to leverage the party while awaiting reconciliation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” from which he resigned in July.
The faction warned that the ADC would not serve as “a vehicle for personal ambition” and emphasised that the party “is a movement committed to democratic renewal,” insisting that rules must be followed.
Okechukwu added that while Atiku is welcome in the ADC, he “must follow due process like every other member.”
Leadership Crisis Deepens
The controversy comes at a time when the ADC is already embroiled in a leadership crisis, with competing factions claiming control of the party.
The legitimacy of the David Mark–led national leadership is currently before the Federal High Court, and the Nafiu Bala faction argues that the unresolved legal dispute makes it necessary to halt any attempt at integrating new coalition partners—including Atiku’s bloc—until the court determines the authentic leadership structure.
This internal conflict threatens to destabilise broader coalition efforts among opposition figures seeking to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku: “Real Opposition Has Begun”
Atiku resigned from the PDP earlier this year, accusing the party of abandoning its founding principles. His defection to the ADC generated excitement among his supporters, who see the party as a platform capable of hosting a large opposition coalition.
After receiving his ADC card, the former vice president declared:
“Now I have picked up my membership card of the ADC. Now, the real opposition has begun. We will chase the APC out of government.”
Atiku’s registration was supervised by Adamawa State ADC chairman Shehu Yohanna and members of the ADC Registration and Mobilisation Committee. Several notable politicians were present, including former Adamawa Governor Jibrilla Bindow and Senator Aishatu Binani, underscoring the political weight behind the defection.
Opposition Coalition at Risk
Atiku’s alignment with the ADC follows months of quiet negotiations among top opposition leaders—including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal—who recently agreed to adopt the ADC as a broad united platform for the 2027 elections.
This coalition is considered the strongest coordinated opposition movement since 2015.
However, the ADC membership dispute now threatens to complicate the emerging alliance. If the internal crisis remains unresolved, the party could fracture at the very moment it is expected to serve as a rallying point for Nigeria’s diverse opposition forces.
What This Means for 2027
Analysts say the ADC’s rejection of Atiku’s registration signals a deeper struggle for control within the party. It also raises questions about the viability of the opposition coalition forming around the ADC platform.
If the factional crisis persists:
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Atiku’s candidacy could face legal and procedural challenges
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Coalition negotiations may stall
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The opposition may enter 2027 divided
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The ruling APC may benefit from the disarray
Political observers warn that unless the ADC resolves its leadership crisis promptly, it may be unable to offer the stability required for a mega-coalition.
As of now, Atiku Abubakar’s status in the ADC remains contested. While his supporters in Adamawa have proudly welcomed him into the party, the Nafiu Bala–led national faction insists he is not yet a recognised member.
With the 2027 election cycle intensifying and multiple opposition heavyweights betting on the ADC as a unifying platform, the party must now confront internal fractures that could shape the future of Nigeria’s political landscape.
Whether Atiku’s membership becomes a turning point or a new source of conflict will depend on the party’s ability to unite around a single leadership—and follow its own rules.
