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 was issued in Abuja by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who insisted that the party had “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 major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following Atiku’s declaration, reports emerged claiming that he had not registered with a properly constituted ward executive.
A statement credited to the ADC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechukwu, alleged that Atiku’s registration was invalid because it was conducted by persons not recognised by the party’s national leadership.
Okechukwu was quoted as saying, “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.”
But reacting sharply, Abdullahi dismissed the claims as false, saying the individual credited with the statement does not exist in any ADC structure nationwide.
“The person quoted in that report is unknown to the ADC at any level and does not exist within our structures, registers or leadership organs,” he said.
He stressed that the national leadership had not raised any concerns about Atiku’s membership status.
He further stated, “The national leadership of the ADC is not in any doubt, and no one authorised to speak for the party has said anything close to what was reported.”
Abdullahi also cautioned that the publication of such unauthorised statements could mislead the public and erode confidence in institutions recognised by both the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He warned that weakening viable opposition parties could endanger Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Abdullahi added, “The publication of such unauthorised statements not only misleads the public but also brings the integrity of the media to question.”
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