ABUJA, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — The ongoing ADC Party Crisis took a new turn today. Okay News reports this development at 5:00 PM West Africa Time (WAT, GMT+1). The event occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Furthermore, national leaders of the African Democratic Congress [ADC] rejected a recent factional announcement. A local faction attempted to suspend former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Additionally, the group targeted former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.
Consequently, the national party headquarters dismissed these actions immediately. Bolaji Abdullahi serves as the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC. He addressed the situation directly during a media interview.
“No, no, no. There’s nothing to it. It doesn’t make sense.”
Subsequently, Abdullahi added more context to his rejection. “Those saying it (they suspended Atiku and Babachir Lawal), don’t have the power to do that.
He continued his explanation without hesitation. “No, they don’t have the power to do that. They are just jesters,” Abdullahi said.
Meanwhile, the controversy started earlier in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Raji Zumo acts as a factional state chairman there. He held a press conference to announce the penalties.
Therefore, Zumo declared the suspension of three key figures. This included Atiku and Lawal. It also included transition committee chairman Sadiq Ibrahim.
Local Rulings Deepen ADC Party Crisis
“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.”
Zumo continued addressing the journalists present. “Gentlemen of the press, African Democratic Congress is built on discipline, justice, and the supremacy of law.”
Furthermore, he explained the rationale behind the sudden suspensions. “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.”
He listed the affected individuals specifically. “One, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa; Engineer David Baba Lawal, Vice Chairman, North East; Barrister Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin, Transition Committee Chairman.”
Then, Zumo specified the exact accusations against them. “Those individuals are suspended for their roles in fostering disunity, creating parallel structures, undermining lawful authority, and disregarding a subsisting court order.”
Finally, the factional leader concluded his public statement. “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.
Currently, the ADC Party Crisis involves severe internal leadership disputes. These conflicts plague the national headquarters. Separate factions claim legitimate control over the political organization.
For instance, Nafiu Bala Gombe and Kingsley Ogga lead two distinct groups. The party expelled both men during its recent national convention. Nevertheless, they now claim the national chairman position.
INEC Reacts to ADC Party Crisis
Consequently, these competing claims have worsened the ongoing emergency. The Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] responded to the chaos. This agency regulates all political parties in Nigeria.
Initially, INEC withdrew its official recognition of the party leadership. The regulatory body cited the unresolved internal arguments. This decision left the party structure in administrative limbo.
Despite these heavy tensions, one faction projects confidence. The leadership aligned with former Nigerian Senate President David Mark remains hopeful. They insist the party survived the convention intact.
Ultimately, the ADC Party Crisis will require legal resolution. National leaders must consolidate power quickly. Otherwise, factional splits will continue dividing the organization.
