A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s registration as a party member in Adamawa State, insisting that the process was illegitimate.

The party said Atiku’s registration at Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area was conducted by individuals not authorised by the ADC’s national leadership, and therefore does not confer official membership rights.

ADC faction rejects Atiku’s membership as illegitimate

In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechukwu, the faction said, “This registration was conducted through individuals who are not recognised by the ADC’s National Headquarters and therefore lack the authority to register new members. We have 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.”

Atiku, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July citing a departure from its core ideals, collected his ADC membership card publicly on Monday, signalling his alignment with the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party urges due process, warns against using ADC for personal ambition

His registration was co-supervised by the Adamawa ADC chairman, Shehu Yohanna, alongside prominent politicians, including former Governor Bindow Jibrilla and Senator Aishatu Binani, highlighting a significant political shift in the region.

“The ADC is not merely a platform for individual ambition but a movement committed to democratic renewal,” Okechukwu added, urging Atiku to follow due process to regularise his membership.

The statement also noted that the party is currently navigating a leadership dispute, with a Federal High Court case on the legitimacy of David Mark’s national leadership still ongoing.

The ADC faction reiterated that Atiku will gain full membership rights once he completes registration with the officially recognised ward executives.