Atiku Abubakar has delayed his formal entry into ADC amid talks of Goodluck Jonathan’s possible 2027 run.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has postponed his planned official induction into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may join the party and contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform.
Atiku, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following internal disputes, was expected to receive his ADC membership card in a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State. However, sources reveal the event has been postponed indefinitely without any official explanation from Atiku’s camp.
An ADC chieftain confirmed to Sunday Punch that the party has been engaged in discreet discussions with Jonathan about a possible 2027 presidential bid, which has triggered strategic considerations within the party due to Jonathan’s cross-party appeal.
ADC Chairman in Adamawa State, Shehu Yohana, confirmed ...ponement and shared that no new date has been set. “I spoke with the former vice president on Friday morning. He said the event is shifted to mid-August, but no specific date yet. It might even be delayed till September as Atiku waits for some APC governors planning to defect to ADC before his event,” Yohana said.
A senior ADC member disclosed that talks with Jonathan have been ongoing and positive, emphasizing that Jonathan is unlikely to contest under the PDP again given the party’s internal challenges, particularly the influence of Governor Nyesom Wike. “The former president is a gentleman and refined politician. The coalition leaders have met him about three times, and he appreciates their efforts to rescue Nigeria from the current economic hardship caused by President Bola Tinubu’s policies,” the source added.
On whether Jonathan would be granted an automatic presidential ticket by the ADC, the official said, “When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, when contacted, said, “ADC is open to everybody, and we look forward to having every Nigerian who is ready to rescue the country from this hardship.”