Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delayed collecting his African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership card amid growing speculation about a potential 2027 presidential bid by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is reportedly being courted by the ADC.
Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party following internal disputes, was expected to formalise his move to ADC during a ceremony in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State.
The event, originally slated for August 6, has now been postponed indefinitely, with no official statement from Atiku’s team.
Shehu Yohana, Chairman of ADC in Adamawa State, confirmed the delay. According to him, Atiku mentioned pushing the event to mid-August, though no date has been confirmed. Yohana also revealed that Atiku is waiting for some All Progressives Congress governors who intend to join ADC before proceeding.
Tensions continue to rise within ADC, particularly as internal sources allege secret talks between the party and Jonathan.
A national-level party chieftain disclosed that Atiku’s move may be derailed by a rivalry with Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, whose supporters are said to have significant influence in ADC’s southern structures.
He warned that if issues remain unresolved, Atiku may defect again possibly to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The recent suspension of ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai from SDP, the source said, may be linked to internal fears that Atiku could dominate the party if he switches allegiance.
Various Atiku support groups within ADC are reportedly considering their options as speculation around Jonathan’s return builds.
Another party insider confirmed ongoing discussions with Jonathan, who is allegedly reluctant to return to the PDP due to internal challenges, particularly the influence of Nyesom Wike.
While no formal agreement has been reached, posters pairing Jonathan with potential running mates like Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal and ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have surfaced online.
However, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, publicly dismissed the possibility of returning to Aso Rock, voicing support for current First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Responding to the situation, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, denied claims that Atiku’s plans were stalled due to Jonathan’s possible entry. He insisted Atiku’s registration with ADC in Adamawa was ongoing and unchanged.
Ibe emphasized that Atiku is not threatened by any aspirant, stating that as a democrat, he welcomes competition. He also criticized the Tinubu-led government for allegedly using state resources to suppress opposition.
A senior ADC member, who chose to remain anonymous, accused the Tinubu administration of trying to destabilise ADC and block Atiku’s rise, claiming the APC sees Atiku as their greatest threat in 2027.
The same source said Peter Obi is not considered a serious concern by the ruling party and may face resistance in securing a PDP ticket due to Wike’s dominance.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s interim national publicity secretary, echoed this concern, accusing the APC of undermining the party’s internal structure to ensure an easy path to victory in 2027. He insisted that the ADC would resist all such efforts.
Tensions in the party have intensified since David Mark replaced Ralph Nwosu as National Chairman. Former state chapter leaders have expressed dissatisfaction over the transition process, but Abdullahi dismissed the protests as attention-seeking and possibly financially motivated.
In Osun State, former governor and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola declared divine support for the party’s efforts to win the 2026 governorship election.
Speaking during a 60th birthday event for former State Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam, Aregbesola hinted that ADC would emerge victorious in the state’s next election.
Meanwhile, Salaam called for peaceful political engagement ahead of the polls and reaffirmed his commitment to politics without bitterness.
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