Fresh trouble in ADC as faction sacks Atiku, Babachir

• Youth wing demands INEC restore leadership

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has announced the suspension of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, from the party.

The suspension was announced by the faction’s chairman in the state, Raji Sulaiman Zumo, yesterday.

Zumo said the decision followed consultations among the party’s leadership in the state.

According to him, the affected individuals were suspended over alleged roles in creating divisions within the party. “Let it be clearly stated, no individual, regardless of his stature 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 listed those affected by the decision to include Atiku Abubakar, Babachir Lawal and Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin, the Transition Committee Chairman.

The factional chairman said the action was taken to restore order and discipline within the party.

“Those individuals are suspended for their roles in fostering disunity, creating parallel structure, undermining law authority, and disregarding subsiding 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.”

Meanwhile, the Youth Wing of the ADC has demanded immediate restoration of party leadership under David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group made the demand on yesterday during a peaceful protest at INEC’s Lagos headquarters in Sabo-Yaba, where it also submitted a petition to the commission.

The petition is titled ‘Demand for Immediate Restoration of ADC Leadership and Defence of Democratic Order in Nigeria’.

Leading the protest, ADC South-West Youth Leader, Mrs Adeola Olusi, presented the petition signed by National Youth Leader, Mr Balarabe Rufa’i, to INEC officials.

Rufa’i said the demand followed the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum issued to INEC on April 6.

He alleged the commission’s inaction heightened public concern and raised questions about its neutrality and adherence to constitutional provisions.

“Following the expiration of our 72-hour ultimatum, we hereby formally notify you that ADC youths have begun peaceful occupation of INEC offices nationwide.

“This action shall remain peaceful, constitutional, and continue indefinitely until full restoration of the legitimate ADC leadership under Mark and Aregbesola.

“This is not a protest of convenience; it is necessary democratic resistance. We will not be silenced.

“This is bigger than ADC; it concerns the future of democratic governance in Nigeria. We call on INEC to restore constitutional order immediately,” he said.

Rufa’i recalled the ADC National Executive Committee held a lawful meeting on July 29, 2025, under INEC supervision, constituting a new National Working Committee.

He noted INEC received, verified, and recognised the leadership on Sept. 9, 2025, without objections or disputes at the time.

“The commission’s subsequent actions amount to disregard for due process and its own verified records,” he said.

Rufa’i added the Court of Appeal directed parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, which he said remained the Mark-led leadership.

He accused INEC of overstepping constitutional boundaries by interpreting court orders, a role reserved for the judiciary.

He called for immediate restoration of the leadership on INEC’s portal and a public apology over what he described as unconstitutional actions.

He also urged INEC to refrain from actions based on pending motions and demonstrate neutrality and institutional integrity.

Rufa’i further called for the resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman, alleging loss of public confidence.

Lagos ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru, said the protest had backing from party leadership at national and state levels.

“We are peaceful and law-abiding. We have the right to express our concerns and make observations.

“We must not reach a point where Nigerians lose the right to choose their leaders democratically. That would signal autocracy.

“We should not suffocate opposition parties. Our youths are fighting for their future.”

Ashiru urged INEC Chairman to reconsider his position on ADC leadership.

INEC Head of Voter Education, Mr Taiwo Gbadegesin, who received the petition on behalf of Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, commended the protesters.

“We assure you that your letter will be delivered to the appropriate authority for necessary action,” Gbadegesin said.

INEC recently announced the de-recognition of Mark and Aregbesola as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary, citing a court order.