ADC Suspends Atiku, Babachir Lawal Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

ADC Suspends Atiku, Babachir Lawal Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has announced the suspension of former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, over allegations of actions deemed to be divisive and contrary to the party’s constitution.

Also affected by the decision are former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim.

The factional chairman of the party in the state, Raji Zumo, disclosed the development during a press conference held on Monday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, where he accused the suspended members of undermining party unity.

Zumo said the decision followed consultations within the party’s executive structure, stressing that no member, regardless of status, is above the party’s rules.

“Let it be clearly stated that no individual, irrespective of his influence, is above the constitution of the African Democratic Congress as long as he remains a member,” he said.

He explained that the suspension was based on allegations of fostering disunity, creating parallel party structures, and disregarding lawful authority, including a subsisting court order.

According to him, the move was aimed at restoring order within the party and safeguarding its integrity.

“This action is taken in the best interest of the party to restore order, protect its dignity, and reaffirm our commitment to democratic values,” Zumo added.

The development comes amid a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, which has deepened since mid-2025 following the emergence of a new opposition coalition that assumed control of the party’s structure.

The internal dispute has pitted different factions against one another, with a former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala, challenging the legitimacy of the leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.

The crisis took a new turn on April 1 when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from the faction loyal to Mark, acting on an interim ruling of the Court of Appeal.

The legal battle is, however, far from over, as the Supreme Court is expected to hear an appeal filed by Mark challenging the suit brought against his leadership.

Political observers say the latest suspension could further deepen divisions within the party ahead of future electoral contests, especially as key stakeholders continue to battle for control of its structure.