Atiku Delays ADC Move Amid Rumors of Jonathan’s 2027 Presidential Bid

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has indefinitely postponed his planned formal defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fueling speculation that the delay may be linked to ongoing talks between the party and former President Goodluck Jonathan over a potential 2027 presidential run.

Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following internal disputes, was scheduled to collect his ADC membership card in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State, on August 6. However, the event was called off without an official explanation.

A source within the ADC’s Adamawa chapter, Shehu Yohana, disclosed that Atiku cited the need to wait for some APC governors planning to defect to the ADC before proceeding with his own ceremony. Meanwhile, a national ADC chieftain suggested the postponement might be tied to tensions between Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, whose supporters allegedly dominate ADC structures in southern Nigeria.

The same source hinted that if the situation remains unresolved, Atiku could switch to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Notably, the recent suspension of ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai from the SDP has been attributed to fears of Atiku forming a “political cartel” within the party.

ADC leaders confirmed discreet discussions with Jonathan, who they claim is unlikely to return to the PDP due to tensions with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. A party insider stated, “We’ve met him three times, and he acknowledges the need to rescue Nigeria from Tinubu’s economic policies.” However, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi only said the party is “open to everyone committed to saving Nigeria.”

Despite Jonathan’s wife, Patience, publicly endorsing First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for 2027, Jonathan’s campaign posters have surfaced online, pairing him with Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal or ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims that the delay was due to Jonathan’s rumored ambitions, insisting Atiku’s ADC registration process remains ongoing. “Atiku welcomes competition; democracy thrives on choice,” Ibe said, accusing Tinubu of pushing for a one-party system.

An ADC chieftain, who pleaded anonymity, accused the Tinubu administration of fueling internal crises to weaken Atiku’s chances, claiming the ruling party sees him as the biggest threat.

ADC’s interim publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also alleged APC-sponsored disruptions but vowed the party would resist such tactics.

Former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now ADC national secretary, declared divine backing for the party’s 2026 governorship bid in the state during an event honoring ex-Speaker Najeem Salaam.

Incumbent Speaker Adewale Egbedun praised Salaam’s legacy, while Salaam urged peaceful politicking ahead of the polls.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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