The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong ultimatum to Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, and other top political heavyweights, demanding that they register at their respective wards before the end of the year or risk losing recognition as members of the party.

Party Chairman Insists on Ward Registration

Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH in Yola, Shehu Yohanna, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, announced that the party had unveiled a new membership register.
Yohanna declared that only those with valid ADC membership cards will be acknowledged as legitimate members.

“Atiku Abubakar should go to his ward in Jada Local Government and register; Babachir Lawal should go to his ward in Hong Local Government and register.
That is the only way they can be treated as legitimate members of the party,” Yohanna stated.

He warned that no individual will be allowed to hold a leadership position or take decisions for the party without proper registration.
“You cannot be taking decisions for a party you are not constitutionally a member of. All of you should register for the greatness of our party,” he said.

Pressure Mounts on Atiku Abubakar

The ADC ultimatum to Atiku Abubakar comes amid growing speculation about the former Vice President’s political future.
Atiku’s much-publicised registration in his hometown of Jada—initially scheduled for August—was abruptly suspended without explanation.
Sources within the party told The PUNCH that Atiku is weighing the option of seeking the ADC’s presidential ticket, especially as Peter Obi’s political movement continues to gain influence within the party.

ADC Targets 2027 Power Shift

Yohanna dismissed both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as incapable of defeating the ADC in the 2027 elections.
According to him, the ruling APC’s “unfriendly policies” have opened a path for the ADC to capture power and reposition Nigeria for authentic democracy.

“The unfriendly policies of the present government have paved the way for our party to take over and reposition the country for authentic democracy,” Yohanna said confidently.

Internal Rifts and Leadership Claims

Responding to reports of a leadership crisis in the Adamawa chapter, Yohanna insisted that he remains the legitimate ADC chairman, noting that his tenure runs until 2026.
“The ADC is not the estate of anyone; it is a political party registered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo,” he stressed.

He further claimed that the ADC’s governorship aspirants possess credentials among the best in Adamawa State and across Nigeria, reinforcing the party’s readiness to contest power at the highest levels.

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The ADC ultimatum to Atiku Abubakar signals a new phase of political realignment as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections.
Whether Atiku will heed the call to register or pursue other political options remains a key question that could reshape the country’s opposition landscape.