The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially declared the recent party registration of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as invalid, stating it was conducted by individuals not recognized by the party's national leadership.
Invalid Registration Process
In a significant development on Monday, the ADC national leadership clarified that Atiku Abubakar's registration at Jada 1 Ward in Jada Local Government Area lacked proper authorization. The party emphasized that the registration was conducted through individuals who are not recognized by the ADC's National Headquarters and therefore lacked the authority to register new members.
Christopher O. Okechukwu, the Director of Media and Public Affairs, released a statement describing the development as a clear violation of the party's constitution and established procedures. "This registration was conducted through individuals who are not recognised by the ADC's National Headquarters and therefore lack the authority to register new members," Okechukwu stated.
Repeated Appeals for Proper Registration
The ADC revealed that it has consistently advised the former Vice President to complete his membership registration with the duly constituted and authentic ward executives in his locality. This crucial step remains unfulfilled by Atiku Abubakar, despite repeated appeals from the party leadership.
Okechukwu elaborated on the party's position: "We have consistently urged Mr. Abubakar to complete his registration with the duly constituted and authentic party executives in his locality, a step he has yet to take."
Broader Political Strategy Concerns
The ADC leadership expressed concern that the irregular registration might be part of a broader political strategy. The party suspects this move could be an attempt to leverage the ADC while awaiting reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a pattern they claim to have observed in the past.
Okechukwu added, "The ADC national leadership finds this action to be inconsistent with the party's constitution and procedures. We are concerned that it may be part of a broader strategy to leverage the ADC while awaiting reconciliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a pattern we have observed in the past."
The statement also addressed the ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC, noting that a case regarding the legitimacy of David Mark's leadership is currently pending at the Federal High Court. This context is crucial for understanding how coalition partners and Atiku Abubakar's potential membership are being considered.
The ADC remains committed to transparency and democratic processes, urging the former Vice President and his associates to approach the situation with understanding. The party emphasized that it represents a movement for democratic renewal rather than merely serving as a platform for individual political ambitions.
