Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has postponed his plans to collect a membership card from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid rising speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may enter the 2027 presidential race, with the ADC reportedly courting him for support.
Atiku recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following prolonged internal disputes and was set to formally join the ADC during a ceremony in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State. However, sources tell Sunday PUNCH that the event, initially scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, has been postponed indefinitely, with no official explanation provided from Atiku’s camp.
Shehu Yohana, the ADC Chairman for Adamawa State, confirmed the postponement, stating, “I spoke with the former vice president on the phone Friday morning, and he told me he has shifted the event to mid-August, but no specific date was mentioned. From the way things are going, due to one issue or another, the event may stretch into September.”
Atiku is reportedly waiting for several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to join the ADC before proceeding with his membership formalization.
Tensions Rise Over Political Ambitions
The political landscape is becoming increasingly tense as a national ADC chieftain, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested that the postponement could be linked to a power struggle between Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. The source alleged that Obi’s political movement has taken control of ADC structures in the South, potentially jeopardizing Atiku’s presidential aspirations.
“From all indications, if things do not work out for Atiku in the coming weeks, I see him defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” the chieftain stated.
Support groups backing Atiku within the ADC are reportedly pressuring their leaders to consider leaving the party if the current crisis continues. This unrest is thought to be connected to the rumored return of Jonathan to the political arena for the 2027 elections.
A senior ADC member indicated that the party has been in discussions with Jonathan, who is reportedly not interested in running under the PDP due to internal issues. “We are talking to him, and we are getting a positive response. He knows the challenges within the PDP and appreciates our efforts to address the country’s economic difficulties,” the ADC member said.
Atiku’s Response to Rivalries
Despite the swirling rumors, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, emphasized that the former vice president is not intimidated by potential rivals, including Jonathan and Obi. “Atiku Abubakar registered as a member of the ADC in Jada ward of Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State, and the process is still on, so nothing has been suspended,” Ibe asserted.
He further elaborated that Atiku welcomes competition and believes in the democratic process. “The beauty of democracy is that the minority will have its say, and then the majority will have its way. There will always be choices,” he stated.
Allegations of Political Sabotage
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, an ADC chieftain, who requested anonymity, accused the Bola Tinubu administration of attempting to undermine Atiku’s ambitions within the ADC. “The only person they are scared of is Atiku Abubakar. They don’t want him on the ballot, which is why they are trying to infiltrate the ADC and create unnecessary tension,” he claimed.
In contrast, the ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, reiterated the party’s commitment to resist any external attempts to destabilize its coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on Atiku, Jonathan, and Obi as they navigate their ambitions and the potential implications for Nigeria’s future.
