The Pathfinder
Friday April 17, 2026
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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the purported suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, describing the move as null and void.
The party said the faction in Adamawa State that announced the suspension lacks the constitutional authority to take such action, insisting that the declaration holds no weight within its structure.
Speaking in an interview, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the development outright.
“There’s nothing to it. It doesn’t make sense. Those behind it do not have the power to suspend anyone. They are just jesters,” he said.
The reaction followed a press conference in Adamawa where a factional chairman, Raji Zumo, announced the suspension of Atiku, Lawal, and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim. Zumo had accused the trio of fostering division, creating parallel party structures, and undermining lawful authority.
However, the national leadership of the party rejected the claims, maintaining that due process was not followed and that only properly constituted organs of the party can take disciplinary decisions.
The controversy comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to key positions. Rival groups led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and Kingsley Ogga have both asserted control over the party’s national leadership, further complicating the internal situation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier withdrawn recognition of some of the party’s leadership structures due to the ongoing disputes.
Despite the turmoil, the faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark insists the party remains intact following its national convention.
Meanwhile, a party chieftain, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, strongly condemned the alleged suspension, describing it as anti-democratic and illegitimate.
He characterised the move as “a callous act by hunger-driven sycophants and enemies of democracy,” arguing that no faction has the authority to sideline prominent figures like Atiku in the party.
Eze further alleged that attempts to destabilise opposition figures reflect broader political tensions, warning that such actions could undermine democratic principles.
The latest development underscores the intensifying internal wrangling within the ADC as it navigates leadership disputes ahead of future electoral contests.
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