Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his support for Shehu Yohanna as the Acting and Interim Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State. In a statement released through his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku urged all members and stakeholders of the ADC in the state to work under the leadership of Yohanna.
The former Vice President also endorsed the Sadiq Dasin-led Transition Team, encouraging close cooperation between the Transition Team and the Yohanna-led state executive. The aim, he said, is to strengthen the party and ensure its full establishment in Adamawa ahead of upcoming political contests.
According to Ibe, Atiku’s directive comes after all legal disputes within the party in Adamawa were resolved. Key actors in the state have signed binding agreements to settle disagreements and ensure a united party.
“I am particularly elated that we, in the Adamawa ADC family, are ending the year on a very positive note with the resolution of all extant issues. No house divided against itself can stand,” Atiku said in the statement.
He urged both the Adamawa executive committee led by Shehu Yohanna and the Dasin Transition Team to work together to make the ADC the preferred political party in the state. Atiku stressed that unity and discipline within the party are essential to achieving this goal.
In his statement, the former Vice President also referenced the guidance of the national executive of the ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark. Atiku said there would be zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline or insubordination within the party structure.
The ADC has faced internal disputes in Adamawa State in the past, with disagreements over leadership and party structures slowing its growth. These disputes, like those in other states, often revolve around power struggles, factionalism, and conflicting claims of authority. Resolving these disputes is seen as a key step toward building a strong political party capable of competing effectively in state and national elections.
Shehu Yohanna’s appointment as Acting/Interim Chairman was part of efforts to unify the party and provide a clear leadership structure in Adamawa. Meanwhile, the Sadiq Dasin-led Transition Team was tasked with overseeing the integration of various factions and ensuring smooth operations within the state party.
Atiku Abubakar has consistently played a prominent role in Nigerian politics and remains an influential figure within several political parties, including the ADC. His endorsement of Yohanna and the Transition Team signals a move to consolidate power, promote internal stability, and present a united front to voters.
The former Vice President’s call for unity comes at a time when political parties in Nigeria are gearing up for the 2023 general elections. Political analysts have noted that parties with internal cohesion are more likely to perform well in elections, as internal disputes often weaken party structures and reduce voter confidence.
By urging stakeholders to follow the directives of the party leadership, Atiku seeks to prevent the recurrence of factional conflicts and ensure that the ADC can focus on strengthening its grassroots presence in Adamawa. The emphasis on zero tolerance for indiscipline highlights the importance of structured leadership and adherence to party rules.
The collaboration between the state executive led by Yohanna and the Transition Team is expected to bring about administrative efficiency, strengthen the party’s organizational capacity, and build trust among members. According to Ibe, this cooperation will be key to establishing ADC as a dominant political force in the state.
Adamawa State has long been an important battleground in Nigerian politics. As the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, it has often been in the spotlight during elections. A united ADC in Adamawa could serve as a significant political force, potentially challenging more established parties such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
For Atiku, ensuring that ADC stakeholders work together also aligns with his broader political strategy of promoting stability and order within parties. This approach reflects lessons learned from past experiences where divisions within parties have undermined their electoral prospects.
With the legal disputes resolved and the key leadership positions clarified, ADC in Adamawa is expected to move forward with renewed focus. The party now faces the challenge of consolidating its structure, strengthening its membership base, and preparing for future elections.
The success of this initiative will depend on the continued cooperation between the Shehu Yohanna-led executive and the Sadiq Dasin Transition Team, as well as the support of the broader party membership in Adamawa.
