The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the reported suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, describing it as invalid and lacking any legitimacy.
The purported suspension was announced on Monday by a factional group in Adamawa State led by Alhaji Raji Zumo, who claimed the duo, along with the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin, were suspended for alleged gross indiscipline, causing disunity, and attempting to impose candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting swiftly, Babachir Lawal, who serves as the ADC’s Vice Chairman (North-East), rejected the action outright.
He described those behind the suspension as lacking authority in the party and ridiculed the move.“If some people take heavy Indian hemp, they can claim to be President of Nigeria, so don’t consider them as normal people,” Lawal said.
“Raji has no reasonable position in the ADC that empowers him to speak on behalf of the party.”
The legitimate Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, also dismissed the suspension, stating that Raji Zumo had long left the party and has no standing to issue such directives on behalf of the ADC.
Party sources emphasize that the factional announcement does not reflect the position of the national leadership or the recognized state executive of the ADC.
The development is seen as part of ongoing internal wrangling in the party’s Adamawa chapter, particularly around congresses and preparations for future elections.
The ADC has urged members and the public to disregard the purported suspension, affirming that Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal remain in good standing within the party.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NOP NIGERIA to reach thousands of our daily users
