A fresh political crisis has erupted in Nigeria’s northeastern Adamawa State after a factional leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) announced the suspension of two prominent political figures, Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal, from the party within the state.
The suspension, declared by a factional state chairman, Raji Sulaiman Zumo, marks a significant escalation in internal disputes that have plagued the party in recent months. Zumo, addressing reporters on Monday, accused the duo of actions allegedly deemed “detrimental to party unity and discipline,” though he did not provide detailed evidence to substantiate the claims.
Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president of Nigeria and a key national political figure, alongside Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, are both influential voices in the country’s opposition landscape. Their reported suspension has raised questions about the legitimacy of the faction issuing the directive and the broader stability of the ADC in Adamawa.
Political analysts say the development reflects deepening fractures within the party’s state chapter, with rival factions contesting authority and control ahead of future electoral cycles. The ADC has, in recent years, sought to position itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s multiparty system, but internal divisions continue to undermine its cohesion.
There has been no immediate response from Atiku or Lawal regarding the announcement. It also remains unclear whether the party’s national leadership recognises the authority of the faction behind the suspension.
Observers warn that such disputes could weaken opposition coordination in Adamawa State, a politically strategic region, and potentially reshape alliances as politicians reposition themselves.
As tensions simmer, party members and supporters await further clarification from the ADC’s national body, which is expected to weigh in on the legitimacy of the suspensions and the broader leadership tussle within the state chapter.
