The Nafiu Bala-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s registration in Adamawa State, insisting that he is not yet a recognised member of the party.
The clarification came hours after Atiku publicly collected his ADC membership card at Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, ADC Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechukwu, described the registration as illegitimate, saying it violated internal party procedures.
“This registration was conducted by individuals not recognised by the ADC’s National Headquarters and therefore lacked authority to register new members,” Okechukwu said.
He added that Atiku had been repeatedly advised to complete his registration with the duly constituted party executives in his locality, a step he has not yet taken. Okechukwu warned that Atiku’s actions could be part of a broader strategy to leverage the ADC while awaiting reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing similar patterns in the past.
The party official emphasised that the ADC “is not a vehicle for personal ambition but a movement committed to democratic renewal,” assuring that Atiku would enjoy full membership rights once he followed due process with the authorised ward structure.
The rebuttal comes amid an ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC, with the legitimacy of David Mark’s national leadership currently before the Federal High Court. Party leaders argue that the dispute must be resolved before integrating coalition partners, including Atiku’s camp.
Atiku resigned from the PDP in July, accusing the party of abandoning its ideals. On Monday, he declared that “the real opposition has begun” as he received his ADC card in Adamawa, vowing to help drive the ruling APC from power. His registration was overseen by Adamawa ADC chairman Shehu Yohanna and the party’s Registration and Mobilisation Committee, with prominent politicians such as former Governor Bindow Jibrilla and Senator Aishatu Binani in attendance.
Atiku’s move aligns with a broader opposition coalition, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former SGF Babachir Lawal, and others, who previously agreed to adopt the ADC as a united platform against the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, with strong resistance from the Bala-led faction, Atiku’s membership status now risks becoming a fresh flashpoint within the opposition camp.
