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, by a faction of the party in Adamawa State.
The party described the move as invalid, insisting that those behind it lack the authority to take such action.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the announcement carries no weight within the party.
According to Abdullahi, “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.”
The development followed a press conference by a factional chairman in Adamawa State, Raji Zumo, who announced the suspension of Atiku, Lawal and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim.
Abdullahi said, “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.
“Those individuals are suspended for their roles in fostering disunity, creating parallel structures, undermining lawful authority, and disregarding a subsisting court order.”
Internal Crisis Deepens
The ADC has been grappling with internal disputes over its leadership structure.
Separate factions led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and Kingsley Ogga, both reportedly expelled during the party’s national convention, are laying claim to the position of national chairman.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier withdrawn recognition of the party’s leadership structures amid the ongoing crisis.