The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday said the recent registration of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State was not done by officials recognised by the party’s national leadership.
The party said Atiku had been advised several times to register with the duly constituted ward executives but had yet to comply.
In a statement, the ADC Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher O. Okechukwu, said the move violated the party’s constitution and procedures.
“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,” he said.
He added that the party had “consistently urged Mr Abubakar to complete his registration with the authentic party executives in his locality, a step he has yet to take.”
Okechukwu urged Atiku and his associates to approach the matter with understanding, saying the party “is not a vehicle for personal ambition but a movement committed to democratic renewal.”
He expressed concern that the development might be part of a strategy to use the ADC while awaiting reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying similar patterns had been observed in the past.
“We once again call on Mr Abubakar to regularise his membership by registering with the officially recognised leadership in his local government. Upon doing so, he will be afforded all rights and privileges as stipulated by the ADC constitution,” he said.
Okechukwu also noted that the party was currently dealing with a leadership dispute before the Federal High Court on the legitimacy of David Mark’s leadership.
He said Atiku’s potential membership, and that of his coalition partners, must be considered within that context.
He added that the ADC remained committed to transparency, internal democracy and respect for its structures, saying the party looked forward to engagements that would strengthen unity and stability.
