Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has postponed collecting his African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership card, fueling speculation that the party is courting former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential race.
Atiku recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after prolonged internal disputes and was scheduled to formally join the ADC in his hometown, Jada, Adamawa State, on Wednesday, August 6. The event has now been delayed indefinitely, with no official reason provided.
ADC Adamawa State Chairman, Shehu Yohana, confirmed the delay, saying Atiku hinted it might be moved to mid-August or even September, pending the defection of some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to the ADC.
Internal Rivalries and Power Struggles
A national ADC chieftain revealed the delay might be linked to tensions between Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. The source alleged Obi’s political movement had taken control of ADC structures in the South, threatening Atiku’s prospects.
The chieftain warned that if the situation worsened, Atiku could defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He also linked former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai’s suspension from the SDP to fears Atiku might join and form a political bloc there.
Supporters of Atiku within the ADC are reportedly considering leaving if the crisis persists, amid talks that Jonathan could return to contest the presidency in 2027 under the ADC banner. According to an insider, the party has held three meetings with Jonathan, who has shown interest but is unlikely to run under the PDP due to internal power dynamics, notably the influence of Nyesom Wike.
Jonathan’s Position
While Jonathan’s campaign posters have appeared online pairing him with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal or ex-Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, his wife, Patience Jonathan, has publicly ruled out a return to Aso Rock, pledging support for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku’s Camp Responds
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims that Jonathan’s possible candidacy prompted the delay, insisting the registration process is ongoing. He stressed Atiku welcomes competition and aims to work with “men and women of goodwill” to offer Nigerians an alternative to the APC.
Allegations Against the APC
An ADC chieftain accused the Tinubu administration of trying to destabilise the party to prevent Atiku from contesting, claiming the presidency is not worried about Obi but fears Atiku’s candidacy. Interim ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi echoed the accusation, vowing the party would resist external interference.
Since David Mark replaced Ralph Nwosu as ADC National Chairman, the party has faced internal unrest, with some ex-state chairmen rejecting the change in leadership. Abdullahi dismissed these protests as financially motivated.
Aregbesola’s Osun Politics
In Osogbo, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola declared that divine support would help the party win the 2026 Osun governorship election. Speaking at the 60th birthday of former Osun Speaker Najeem Salaam, Aregbesola sang songs of victory and expressed confidence in ADC’s prospects.
Salaam, in his remarks, urged Osun residents to embrace peaceful politics ahead of the polls.
ADEOLA KUNLE
