Atiku, Lawal Suspension By ‘Jesters’ Invalid, Says ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the reported suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, by a faction of the party in Adamawa State does not stand.

The party insists the group behind the move lacks the authority to take such action, and that the announcement carries no weight within its ranks.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known in an interview with Vanguard when asked whether any disciplinary steps would be taken against those involved.

“No, no, no. There’s nothing to it. It doesn’t make sense.

“Those saying it (they suspended Atiku and Babachir Lawal), don’t have the power to do that. No, they don’t have the power to do that. They are just jesters,” Abdullahi said.

The response follows a press conference in Adamawa, where factional state chairman, Raji Zumo, announced the suspension of Atiku, Lawal and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim.

Zumo accused the trio of fostering disunity, creating parallel structures, undermining lawful authority and disregarding a subsisting court order.

“Let it be clearly stated, no individual, regardless of his status or influence, is above the law or the constitution of the African Democratic Congress, as long as he is a card-carrying member of the party.

“Gentlemen of the press, African Democratic Congress is built on discipline, justice, and the supremacy of law.

“In view of the foregoing and after executive consultation, the leadership of the ADC in Adamawa State hereby announces the immediate suspension of the following individuals from the party.

“One, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa; Engineer David Baba Lawal, Vice Chairman, North East; Barrister Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin, Transition Committee Chairman.

“Those individuals are suspended for their roles in fostering disunity, creating parallel structures, undermining lawful authority, and disregarding a subsisting court order.

“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 said.

The development comes as the ADC grapples with internal disputes over its national leadership.

Separate factions led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and Kingsley Ogga, both expelled during the party’s national convention, are now laying claim to the position of national chairman, further deepening the internal crisis.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier withdrawn recognition of the party’s leadership structures amid the dispute.

Despite the tensions, the leadership aligned with former Senate President David Mark insists the party remains intact following the convention.