Comrade Yohanna is the Substantive Adamawa ADC Chairman – Calculate

By Emmanuel Kwada

Mr. Umar Bello Jada, popularly known as Calculate, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, has reaffirmed that Comrade Shehu Yohanna is the substantive chairman of the party, dismissing claims by Arabi Mustapha as “contrived” and orchestrated by “enemies within.”

In an exclusive interview with TGNews, Calculate addressed the recent leadership tussle within the Adamawa ADC, describing it as a plot by “fifth columnists” aiming to destabilize the party for their “primordial and ulterior goals.”

He emphasized that the ADC, unlike other political parties, is grounded in the principles of law, justice, and fairness, and will not tolerate the antics of “selfish politicians.”

Responding to concerns about the ADC coalition’s stability amid its formation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Calculate expressed confidence in the party’s resilience.

“There is no cause for alarm in the Adamawa ADC. A mega coalition like ours will naturally face hiccups, but we are on top of the game,” he said. “The ADC is rooted in democratic principles—rule of law, equity, and justice. We will not follow the path of dominant parties notorious for circumventing democratic norms.”

There is no cause for alarm in the Adamawa ADC. A mega coalition like ours will naturally face hiccups, but we are on top of the game

Calculate categorically rejected claims of a leadership crisis, asserting that Comrade Shehu Yohanna is the only recognized chairman by the ADC’s national secretariat.

“The leadership crisis is being instigated by fifth columnists trying to introduce religious and ethnic divisions,” he stated. “ADC symbolizes unity and respect for the rule of law. Atiku Abubakar formed this coalition to foster justice and constitutionality, and we will protect his legacy against political vagabonds.”

Providing historical context, Calculate traced the ADC’s journey in Adamawa. He noted that the party was introduced by Senator AbdulAziz Nyako in 2019 after a fallout with then-Governor Muhammad Umaru Jibrilla Bindow.

Nyako’s leadership saw the ADC garner 140,000 votes in the gubernatorial election, contributing to the APC’s loss. Nyako later returned to the APC, but Muhammad Shuwa, the 2023 ADC gubernatorial candidate, remained and revived the party.

The leadership crisis is being instigated by fifth columnists trying to introduce religious and ethnic divisions

Calculate clarified the origins of the leadership dispute, explaining that Arabi Mustapha was appointed protem chairman by the national secretariat alongside Shehu Yohanna as protem secretary. However, a fallout with Shuwa led Arabi to defect to the APC.

After confirming Arabi’s exit, the national secretariat appointed Yohanna as protem chairman, who later emerged as the substantive chairman through elections across wards, local governments, and the state.

“All correspondences with INEC and the national secretariat ahead of the 2023 elections were handled by Yohanna’s leadership,” Calculate said.

“It’s surprising that only now, with the new coalition, some are claiming leadership. Their ambitions are dead on arrival. Atiku’s efforts to mobilize this coalition will not be in vain, and internal party democracy will thrive in Adamawa ADC.”

It’s surprising that only now, with the new coalition, some are claiming leadership

Calculate urged party members to rally behind Yohanna’s leadership and respect the ADC’s constitution. He expressed optimism about the coalition’s potential, noting its appeal to prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who recently joined the ADC to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

“The ADC is here for all Nigerians, and we will ensure it remains a platform for unity and progress,” Calculate concluded, reaffirming the party’s commitment to a stronger, more inclusive Adamawa and Nigeria.