ADC Chairman Spotted Using Tricycle as Official Transport, Riks Life

By Tom Garba-Yola

‎In a surprising development, Comrade Shehu Yohanna, the Adamawa State chapter chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been spotted navigating the state capital, Yola, in a tricycle, raising concerns about his safety and the lack of resources available to the party leadership.

‎Despite his prominent political connections with influential figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Murtala Nyako, and former Governor Jibrilla Bindow, Comrade Yohanna reportedly lacks an official vehicle to carry out his duties as the state party chairman.

‎Eyewitnesses in Yola confirmed seeing the ADC chairman frequently using a tricycle, locally known as “Keke NAPEP,” to move around the city while conducting party activities.

‎This mode of transportation, while common for many residents, is considered risky for a high-profile figure like Yohanna, given the lack of safety features and exposure to potential accidents or security threats. The situation has sparked discussions about the financial state of the ADC in Adamawa and the challenges faced by its leadership in executing their mandates effectively.

‎Comrade Shehu Yohanna, a seasoned politician and vocal advocate for the ADC’s growth in Adamawa, has been at the forefront of the party’s efforts to establish a strong presence in the state, particularly following the recent defection of prominent politicians to the ADC as part of a national opposition coalition aimed at the 2027 elections.

‎The absence of an official vehicle for the state chairman has raised eyebrows, with political analysts questioning how a party with such high-profile affiliations struggles to provide basic logistical support for its leadership

‎Yohanna, in a press conference on July 5, 2025, welcomed these political heavyweights but emphasized the need to respect the existing party structure, asserting that the ADC’s state leadership remains intact until December 2026.

‎However, the absence of an official vehicle for the state chairman has raised eyebrows, with political analysts questioning how a party with such high-profile affiliations struggles to provide basic logistical support for its leadership.

‎”It’s alarming that a state party chairman, especially one linked to figures like Atiku, Nyako, and Bindow, is reduced to using a tricycle for official duties,” said a local political commentator. “This points to either a lack of funding or mismanagement within the party’s state chapter.”

‎My focus is on building the ADC and serving the people of Adamawa. A tricycle gets me where I need to go, and I am not ashamed to use it. What matters is our commitment to delivering for the party and the state

‎Sources close to the ADC revealed that the party has been grappling with limited resources, which has hindered its ability to provide essential tools, such as an official car, for its state executives. This situation stands in stark contrast to the ADC’s growing national profile, bolstered by the recent coalition involving Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other notable figures like former Senate President David Mark and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

‎When approached for comment, Comrade Yohanna downplayed the issue, stating, “My focus is on building the ADC and serving the people of Adamawa. A tricycle gets me where I need to go, and I am not ashamed to use it. What matters is our commitment to delivering for the party and the state.”

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‎He further called on party members and supporters to focus on the ADC’s preparations for the upcoming rerun election for the Ganye constituency in August 2025, following the passing of the previous representative.

‎Political observers note that Yohanna’s reliance on a tricycle may resonate with grassroots supporters, portraying him as a humble leader in touch with the common man.

‎The ADC’s state leadership has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but party insiders hint that efforts are underway to address logistical challenges.