Atiku, Babachir Lawal Are ‘Ghost Members’ Of ADC – Adamawa Chairman Explodes

The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, Shehu Yohanna, has dismissed claims of party membership by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, describing them as “ghost members.”

Speaking in an interview with The Punch on Monday, Yohanna challenged both politicians to publicly collect their ADC membership cards if they truly belonged to the party.

According to Yohanna, he contacted the party’s acting National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and acting National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who both confirmed they were unaware of the lists circulating on social media allegedly released by Atiku and Lawal naming supposed ADC transitional committee members.

He stated, “Those lists being shared online are completely fake — the names and titles were fabricated.”

The ADC chairman further clarified that no registered member of the party had shown interest in contesting the governorship seat, dismissing the claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

“There is no ADC member who has declared for the governorship race. The names on those lists are not from our party,” Yohanna insisted.

In his reaction, Babachir Lawal described Yohanna’s statements as “frivolous,” accusing the chairman of acting irrationally.

“When he takes ogbo (a local drink), he just says whatever he likes,” Lawal said. “There is no law in ADC that mandates registration only at the ward level. Members can register online or in person.”

Lawal maintained that the new leadership structure of the Adamawa ADC was legitimate and unstoppable, accusing Yohanna of resisting change.

“He’s only afraid of his own shadow. He cannot stop the new reforms and development happening within the Adamawa ADC,” he declared.

Meanwhile, it was reported on August 10, 2025, that Atiku Abubakar had delayed collecting his ADC membership card, despite publicly identifying with the party after exiting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Party insiders revealed that the card collection ceremony, initially slated for August 6, was postponed indefinitely without any explanation from Atiku’s camp.

Yohanna earlier said, “I spoke with the former vice president on Friday morning, and he told me the event had been shifted to mid-August, though he didn’t specify a date. From the look of things, due to some political issues, it might be pushed to September. He said he was waiting for some APC governors who plan to defect to ADC before hosting his event in Jada.”