ADC Crisis Deepens as Adamawa Faction Suspends Atiku, Babachir Lawal

A fresh crisis has rocked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a faction of the party in Adamawa State announced the suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

The suspension was made public on Monday by the faction’s state chairman, Raji Sulaiman Zumo, who accused the affected leaders of actions capable of destabilising the party.

Zumo said the decision followed consultations within the faction’s leadership, stressing that no member, regardless of status, is above the party’s constitution.

“Let it be clearly stated that no individual, no matter how influential, is above the law of the ADC as long as they remain members,” he said.

In addition to Atiku and Lawal, the faction also suspended Barrister Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin, Chairman of the Transition Committee, citing alleged involvement in creating division and establishing parallel structures within the party.

According to Zumo, the disciplinary action was necessary to restore order, safeguard the party’s integrity, and reinforce internal discipline.

He accused the suspended members of fostering disunity, undermining party authority, and disregarding subsisting court orders.

The development comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, worsened by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) derecognition of a faction led by former Senate President David Mark. Meanwhile, Nafiu Bala Gombe has laid claim to the party’s national chairmanship, further compounding the dispute.

The turmoil coincides with logistical challenges surrounding the party’s planned national convention. A media aide to David Mark, Kola Ologbondiyan, had earlier raised concerns over the inability of the party to secure a venue less than 24 hours before the event.

He disclosed that requests were made to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the use of Eagle Square, but no approval was granted.

However, Wike dismissed the claims, stating that no formal application was received and reaffirming that public facilities remain accessible to all groups that follow due process.

As the internal wrangling intensifies, observers say the unfolding developments could significantly impact the party’s cohesion and future political positioning.