The Nafiu Bala-led faction of the African Democratic Congress has rejected Atiku Abubakar’s membership registration in Adamawa.
The faction says the former vice president is not recognised as a valid member of the party.
This decision came only hours after Atiku picked up his ADC membership card at Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ADC Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechukwu, said the registration carried out in Adamawa did not follow the party’s procedures.
He said, “This registration was conducted by individuals not recognised by the ADC’s National Headquarters and therefore lacked authority to register new members.”
Okechukwu explained that the party has repeatedly reminded Atiku to register with the authentic ward executives in his locality but that he has not done so.
The faction also warned that Atiku’s sudden move could be part of a “broader strategy to leverage the ADC while awaiting reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party.”
It added that similar political manoeuvres had happened in the past.
Okechukwu urged him to follow the proper steps, stressing that the ADC “is not a vehicle for personal ambition but a movement committed to democratic renewal.”
He assured Atiku that he would enjoy full rights once he completes his registration with the authorised ward structure.
This disagreement comes as the ADC is battling internal leadership issues.
The legitimacy of David Mark’s leadership is still before the Federal High Court, a case the party says must be resolved before admitting coalition partners, including Atiku’s allies.
Atiku left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July, accusing it of abandoning its founding ideals.
While receiving his ADC card on Monday, he declared, “Now I have picked up my membership card of the ADC. Now, the real opposition has begun. We will chase the APC out of government.”
His registration was supervised by Adamawa ADC chairman Shehu Yohanna and the ADC Registration and Mobilisation Committee.
Top politicians, including former Governor Bindow Jibrilla and Senator Aishatu Binani, were present at the event.
Atiku’s new political direction is part of a wider opposition realignment, involving figures like Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai and Babachir Lawal, who have been linked to the emerging coalition.
However, the strong resistance from the Bala-led faction means Atiku’s membership may spark a new round of disputes inside the opposition bloc.
