Again, Leadership Battle Splits ADC as Adamawa Faction Fires Atiku, Former SGF

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has announced the suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a move that underscores deepening internal divisions within the party.

The decision was made public on Monday by the chairman of the faction in the state, Raji Sulaiman Zumo, who stated that the action followed unresolved disputes over party structure and leadership legitimacy at both state and national levels.

Also affected by the suspension is former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, a prominent political figure who has been actively involved in party affairs.

His inclusion signals that the faction’s action is targeted at key influential members aligned with opposing leadership interests.

The crisis within the ADC has been escalating for some time, particularly with the emergence of rival leadership claims.

A separate faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has laid claim to the position of national chairman, challenging the authority of the existing structure and creating parallel lines of command within the party.

This leadership tussle has drawn the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria’s electoral regulatory body.

In response to the unresolved disputes and competing claims, INEC took the significant step of derecognizing the leadership of the ADC under former Senate President David Mark, further complicating the party’s internal cohesion and legal standing.

The unfolding situation highlights the growing fragmentation within the ADC, raising concerns about its organizational stability and its ability to function effectively as a political platform ahead of future electoral activities.