The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday dismissed reports suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was improperly registered as a party member in Adamawa State.
The clarification came from the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in Abuja, who stated that the party has “no dispute whatsoever” regarding Atiku’s registration at Jada 1 Ward, Jada Local Government Area.
Atiku formally joined the ADC over the weekend, marking a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. Following his declaration, some reports claimed that he had not registered with a duly constituted ward executive.
A statement attributed to the ADC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechukwu, alleged that Atiku’s registration was invalid because it was carried out by individuals not recognised by the party’s national leadership.
“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,” the statement read.
However, Abdullahi dismissed these claims as false, noting that the individual credited with the statement does not exist within any ADC structure nationwide.
“The person quoted in that report is unknown to the ADC at any level and does not exist within our registers, structures, or leadership organs,” he said, adding that the national leadership has raised no concerns about Atiku’s membership status.
Abdullahi further clarified: “The national leadership of the ADC is not in any doubt, and no one authorised to speak for the party has made any statement remotely similar to what was reported.”
He cautioned that publishing unauthorised statements could mislead the public and undermine confidence in institutions recognised by both the ADC National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The publication of such unauthorised statements not only misleads the public but also brings the integrity of the media into question,” Abdullahi added, warning that weakening viable opposition parties could threaten Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
