Atiku Abubakar’s decision to register into the African Democratic Congress has stirred up controversy just as political actors gear up for the 2027 elections. His formal induction in Adamawa was met with sharp criticism from opponents and uneasy reactions from within the ADC itself, threatening to unravel the unity needed for a strong opposition coalition.
Adams Oshiomhole and the APC’s deputy national organising secretary, Nze Duru, strongly dismissed Atiku’s move. They accused him of being a serial defector, arguing that he changes parties whenever his presidential ambitions falter. They fired shots at his track record, questioning his commitment and capacity to lead the nation, citing his repeated election losses.
Inside the ADC, the crisis intensified when the Nafiu Bala-led faction rejected his membership as illegitimate. They claimed that the people who conducted the registration weren’t authorized by the national structure of the party. The Bala faction insisted Atiku must go through the proper party organs if he wants to be recognised as a full member.
The internal dispute is taking place amid a leadership battle that is already in court, and the Bala faction says the outcome of that trial must come before the party formally integrates Atiku’s camp. Meanwhile, some of Atiku’s own allies, like Babachir Lawal, refused to attend the registration ceremony. Lawal complained about a last-minute date change and questioned the organisation of the event, hinting at deeper trust issues.
Atiku’s induction rally was led by prominent ADC figures — including the state chairman and Senator Sadiq Yar’Adua — and attended by high-profile politicians such as former Governor Bindow Jibrilla and Senator Aishatu Binani. The new registration is being portrayed as a beginning of a stronger, united front for the 2027 election, but the backlash makes that path less certain.