Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delayed plans to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fuelling speculation that he may withdraw from the 2027 presidential race as momentum builds around former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible comeback.
Atiku, who recently quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following protracted internal disputes, was expected to receive his ADC membership card on August 6 in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State.
The event has now been postponed indefinitely without an official explanation from his camp.
ADC’s Adamawa State Chairman, Shehu Yohana, confirmed the delay, saying Atiku had indicated a new date in mid-August, though nothing is certain.
He also revealed that the former vice president was waiting for some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors planning to defect to ADC before making his move.
However, internal party sources allege that ADC is engaged in behind-the-scenes talks with Jonathan, who is reportedly reluctant to return to the PDP due to internal wrangling—particularly the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Jonathan’s possible entry is said to be causing unease in Atiku’s camp, especially as Peter Obi’s supporters are believed to wield considerable influence within ADC’s southern structures.
A senior party official suggested that unresolved tensions could push Atiku to defect again, possibly to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which recently suspended former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai—allegedly to make room for Atiku if he joins.
While posters pairing Jonathan with potential running mates such as Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal and former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have surfaced online, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, has publicly dismissed any return to Aso Rock, instead expressing support for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, downplayed reports that Jonathan’s potential ADC bid was behind the delay, insisting that the Adamawa registration was still on course. He maintained that Atiku welcomes competition and accused the Tinubu-led government of using state power to suppress the opposition.
An anonymous ADC chieftain accused the APC of trying to destabilise the party to block Atiku’s rise, claiming the ruling party sees him as the main threat in 2027. By contrast, Peter Obi is allegedly not viewed as a serious obstacle by APC strategists.
ADC interim national publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi echoed concerns of external interference, vowing that the party would resist any attempts to undermine its structure.
Tensions have escalated within ADC since David Mark replaced Ralph Nwosu as national chairman, with some former state leaders protesting the change. Abdullahi dismissed the dissent as attention-seeking and financially driven.
In Osun State, ADC National Secretary and former governor Rauf Aregbesola expressed confidence in the party’s prospects for the 2026 governorship election, declaring “divine support” for victory.
Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of ex-Speaker Najeem Salaam, Aregbesola urged unity, while Salaam called for peaceful, bitterness-free politics ahead of the polls.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
