A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has announced the suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and transition committee chairman Sadiq Ibrahim. The decision, made public at a press briefing in Yola, was justified on grounds of alleged misconduct, including disobedience to a court order, anti-party activities, and actions said to have undermined internal cohesion.
Factional chairman Raji Zumo stated that no individual, regardless of political stature, should be allowed to destabilize the party or disregard its constitution. He accused the suspended figures of fueling divisions and weakening the ADC’s credibility. While the faction insists the move is necessary to safeguard party integrity, analysts note that such suspensions often deepen rifts within Nigerian political parties, raising questions about their ability to maintain unity and relevance in national politics.
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape with multiple presidential bids, and Babachir Lawal, who previously held a key federal position, have yet to issue formal responses. Their eventual reactions are expected to shape the trajectory of this dispute, either by escalating tensions or opening the door to reconciliation. For international observers, the development illustrates the fragility of Nigeria’s multiparty system, where internal disputes frequently overshadow broader political agendas and highlight the challenges of balancing party discipline with the influence of heavyweight politicians.
