Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delayed his planned collection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership card amid swirling rumors that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan might re-enter the 2027 presidential race, and ongoing talks between Jonathan and the ADC.
Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to internal disputes, was expected to formalize his defection to ADC in a ceremony scheduled for August 6 in his hometown, Jada, Adamawa State.
However, the event was postponed indefinitely without any official explanation.
The ADC Chairman in Adamawa, Shehu Yohana, told told journalists that Atiku postponed the reception to mid-August, though no exact date was given.
“From the way things are going, due to one issue or the other, the event may get to September,”
Yohana said, adding that Atiku is waiting on some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors planning to defect before his event.
Insiders at ADC hinted the delay could be linked to internal power struggles between Atiku and former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, who is said to have strong influence within ADC’s southern structures.
An unnamed national ADC source suggested that if things don’t favor Atiku soon, he might consider joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), especially following the suspension of Kaduna’s former governor Nasir El-Rufai from SDP, an action believed to be connected to fears about Atiku’s possible return there.
Pressure from Atiku’s supporters within ADC to exit the party has grown amid rumors of Jonathan’s potential presidential comeback.
Sources confirmed ongoing discussions between ADC leaders and Jonathan, with a positive response so far.
“We are talking to him (Jonathan), and he is unlikely to contest under PDP. He knows the problems there,” a party insider said.
Although Jonathan’s wife, Patience Jonathan, publicly declared support for the current First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu and rejected any presidential ambitions for her husband, Jonathan’s campaign posters have appeared on social media linking him with prominent running mates.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the speculations and insisted Atiku is undeterred by rivals like Jonathan or Obi.
“Nothing has changed; Atiku registered as a member of ADC in Jada ward and the process continues. Atiku is a democrat who welcomes competition,” Ibe said.
Ibe emphasized that Atiku’s priority is building a credible alternative to the APC and that he will not be intimidated by anyone’s candidacy.
“The more the merrier, so Nigerians can make informed decisions,” he added.
On the other hand, an ADC insider accused the Tinubu-led APC of working covertly to sabotage Atiku’s ambitions and destabilize the ADC ahead of the elections.
“The only person they fear is Atiku Abubakar… They want a free ride in 2027 and fear Atiku’s presence on the ballot,” he explained.
He also downplayed Peter Obi’s chances in the PDP, noting that Nyesom Wike’s influence would prevent Obi from clinching the party ticket, saying the APC prefers Obi or other southerners as candidates to split votes.
The ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, reaffirmed the party’s resolve to resist all forms of sponsored attacks and stressed the importance of unseating the APC government in 2027.
