Adamawa ADC Crisis: Power Struggles, Party Fragmentation, and the Question of Legality.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Northern Bureau Chief, Democracy Newsline
April 13, 2026.
The recent suspension of and by a faction of the (ADC) in Adamawa State has thrown the party into deeper turmoil, raising serious questions about internal cohesion, leadership legitimacy, and the legality of factional decisions within Nigeria’s political party system.
The ADC, once considered a rising alternative political platform, has in recent months been engulfed in a protracted leadership crisis at both national and state levels. The root of the conflict can be traced to competing claims over the party’s national leadership structure.
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A faction led by has laid claim to the position of national chairman, directly challenging the authority of the leadership associated with . This dispute created parallel structures within the party, each issuing directives and exercising authority over different state chapters.
The situation escalated when the (INEC), the constitutionally empowered body responsible for regulating political parties, intervened by derecognizing one of the rival leadership factions. This move, rather than resolving the crisis, further deepened divisions, as opposing camps interpreted the decision in ways that suited their political interests.
In Adamawa State, the crisis took a dramatic turn when a factional chairman, Raji Sulaiman Zumo, announced the suspension of Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal—two of the most prominent political figures associated with the party in the region.
The decision is widely seen as a reflection of the broader national leadership struggle, now replicated at the state level. Adamawa holds strategic political importance, being the home state of Atiku Abubakar, whose influence within the party and Nigerian politics at large remains significant.
Observers note that the emergence of factional leadership in Adamawa is less about disciplinary action and more about control of the party structure ahead of future electoral contests. The suspension appears to be a tactical move aimed at consolidating authority and weakening rival blocs within the party.
Several underlying factors have contributed to the ADC crisis: The absence of a universally accepted national leadership created room for multiple actors to assert authority. Personal ambitions and political calculations have fueled the fragmentation, Like many political parties in Nigeria, the ADC has struggled with internal democratic processes. Disputes over congresses, conventions, and leadership selection have eroded trust among members, Conflicting interpretations of INEC’s decisions have compounded the crisis. Without clear enforcement mechanisms, rival factions continue to operate simultaneously and Regional Power Struggles
State chapters, including Adamawa, have become battlegrounds for influence, reflecting national divisions and local political rivalries.
The legality of the suspension of Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal hinges on several critical considerations:
For any disciplinary action within a political party to be valid, it must be carried out by a duly recognized leadership structure. If the faction led by Raji Sulaiman Zumo is not officially recognized by INEC or the legitimate national leadership, its actions may lack legal standing, Political parties are governed by their constitutions. Any suspension must follow due process, including fair hearing and adherence to disciplinary procedures,
Nigerian courts have consistently ruled that internal party disputes must comply strictly with party constitutions and the principles of natural justice. Arbitrary suspensions by unauthorized factions are often nullified when challenged in court, and INEC does not directly interfere in internal party discipline, its recognition of party leadership plays a decisive role in determining which faction’s actions carry weight.
Public perception of the party as unstable may weaken its electoral prospects, The suspension of high-profile politicians could lead to defections or further fragmentation and
Prolonged litigation may drain resources and distract from political mobilization.
The suspension of Atiku Abubakar and Babachir Lawal by a faction of the ADC in Adamawa State is symptomatic of a deeper structural crisis within the party. While the move may serve short-term political interests for certain actors, its legal validity remains highly questionable.
Ultimately, the resolution of the crisis will depend on judicial clarification, INEC’s firm stance, and the willingness of party stakeholders to prioritize unity over factional dominance. Until then, the ADC risks further disintegration, with significant implications for Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 13TH 2026)
