Fresh controversy has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other party figures were suspended by a faction in Adamawa State.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has strongly rejected the move, describing those behind it as unserious and not worthy of attention.
Lawal Blasts Alleged Suspension
Reacting to the development, Lawal dismissed the announcement as baseless and accused those involved of acting irrationally.
Speaking on the issue, he said, “If some people take heavy Indian hemp, they can claim to be President of Nigeria, so don’t consider them as normal people. Indian hemp is at duty.”
He further questioned the authority of those behind the decision, adding, “Raji has no reasonable position in the ADC that empowered him to speak on behalf of the party.”
Lawal also criticised the action, saying, “Raji’s actions demonstrated the power of Indian hemp against our young men. What is his position in the party in Adamawa State, if not influence of drugs?”
Faction Announces Disciplinary Action
The controversy began after a factional figure, Raji Zumo, addressed journalists and declared the suspension of Atiku, Lawal, and the party’s transition committee chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim.
The announcement immediately triggered backlash within the party, with key stakeholders rejecting the move.
State Chairman Rejects Claim
Adamawa ADC chairman, Shehu Yohanna, also distanced the party from the suspension claim.
He described the statement as unfounded and questioned Zumo’s standing, stating, “Raji was my deputy, before he disappeared to an unknown place, only for him to resurface on social media on Monday, suspending our father, Atiku Abubakar.”
