ADC whither as Atiku, Babachir trade open tackles over Adamawa leadership
• Anxiety thickens over party’s imminent implosion
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is once again engulfed in seismic turbulence as a fierce leadership tussle between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal, threatens to tear apart the party’s Adamawa State chapter.
The escalating row, political observers warn, could trigger a full-blown implosion in a coalition that was only recently heralded as a rising alternative force.
Tension in the party peaked after Atiku publicly threw his weight behind Shehu Yohanna as the Acting/Interim Chairman of the ADC in Adamawa, a move that was fiercely rejected by Babachir, the party’s North-East National Vice Chairman.
The conflicting positions of both men seen as the two most influential figures in the party’s northern flank have amplified anxiety within the rank and file.
In a statement issued by Paul Ibe, spokesperson for the Atiku Media Office, the former Vice President called on all ADC stakeholders in Adamawa to unite under Yohanna’s leadership.
Atiku also reaffirmed his backing for the Sadiq Dasin-led Transition Committee, urging it to work collaboratively with the Yohanna-led structure “to build a stronger, more cohesive party machinery” capable of confronting future electoral battles.
But Babachir Lawal swiftly countered Atiku’s position, citing a recent court judgement that, according to him, invalidated Yohanna’s claim to the state chairmanship.
In a chat with Daily Trust, the former SGF insisted that the law must take precedence over political convenience.
“The court has ruled that Yohanna is not the chairman of ADC Adamawa State. I am not an appeal court, so I have no say beyond that. I stand by the court’s decision. Paul Ibe can appoint one for himself if he likes, but I adhere to the legal ruling,” he said.
The opposing stances have deepened concerns about the future of the party in Adamawa, where internal disagreements have lingered since its inception, slowing critical activities including membership registration and strategic consolidation efforts.
Amid the heated exchanges, Hon. Umar Bello Jada, popularly known as Calculate, who recently resigned as Assistant National Publicity Secretary and North-East Publicity Secretary, described the feud as unnecessary and potentially destructive.
According to him, the face-off is driven not by ideological differences but by personal ambitions.
“Atiku wants to be President; Babachir wants the Governorship, and nothing is wrong with that. Both are exercising their constitutional rights. But these ambitions should not destroy the cordial relationship that binds us,” he said.
Jada noted that despite accusations that he was the obstacle to peace in the party allegations that led to his resignation, the crisis has only intensified, proving the issues run far deeper. He appealed for restraint, urging the feuding leaders to embrace sacrifice and dialogue.
“For God’s sake, let our sacrifice be the seed of unity. Let peace, patience and tolerance prevail so that the party can build stable and legitimate structures. Those who invest their resources and dreams in the ADC must not lose hard-earned victories to interest-driven confrontations and courtroom battles,” he said.
Political analysts say the current showdown confirms earlier media reports suggesting the existence of Atiku-aligned and Babachir-aligned blocs within the ADC claims that were previously dismissed by some party figures.
As the ADC in Adamawa stands at a critical crossroads, its future may hinge on whether its key leaders choose cooperation over confrontation.
The choices they make in the coming days could determine whether the party marches forward fortified or fractures under the weight of its competing power blocs.
