By Peter Dansu Political tension is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar puts his m...
By Peter Dansu
Political tension is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar puts his much-publicised defection on hold, amid strong indications that former President Goodluck Jonathan may be positioning for a 2027 presidential comeback under the same party.
Atiku, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after prolonged internal battles, was scheduled to officially join the ADC by collecting his membership card in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State, on Wednesday, August 6. However, the ceremony was abruptly postponed without explanation — a move that has fuelled intense speculation about deepening internal intrigues, report by Punch says
ADC insiders, according to Punch said that the delay might be linked to discreet, high-level talks between the party and Jonathan, with some leaders pushing for the ex-president to emerge as the party’s standard-bearer in 2027.
Adamawa ADC chairman, Shehu Yohana, confirmed the postponement but said Atiku hinted it could now happen in mid-August or even September. According to Yohana, Atiku is also waiting for “some APC governors” allegedly planning to defect to the ADC before making his move public.
A senior ADC chieftain at the national level revealed that Atiku’s camp is increasingly uneasy, not only because of Jonathan’s possible entry but also due to the growing influence of Peter Obi’s political movement, which he claimed has “hijacked ADC structures” in the South. This, the source said, poses a threat to Atiku’s presidential bid.
“If things don’t work out for him soon, I won’t be surprised if Atiku defects again — possibly to the Social Democratic Party,” the chieftain said, adding that the recent suspension of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai from the SDP was partly to prevent Atiku from forming a “political cartel” there.
Jonathan’s Quiet Moves
Another senior party figure confirmed ongoing talks with Jonathan, insisting he would not run under the PDP due to Nyesom Wike’s dominance in the party. “We have met him three times, and he’s giving positive signals. He knows the PDP’s problems and wants no part of them,” the source said.
Campaign posters pairing Jonathan with Zamfara governor Dauda Lawal or former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have already surfaced online. However, his wife, Patience Jonathan, has publicly dismissed any intention to return to Aso Rock, declaring support for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed suggestions that his boss is rattled by Jonathan or Obi, insisting that Atiku’s ADC membership process “is still on” and that the former vice president “welcomes competition.”
“Atiku will not be threatened by anyone’s ambition,” Ibe said. “The more the merrier. Let everyone who feels they have something to offer join the race. Nigerians deserve choices.”
Meanwhile, some ADC leaders accuse President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deliberately sowing discord in the party to keep Atiku off the 2027 ballot. One chieftain alleged, “They know Atiku is the only real threat to Tinubu. They are infiltrating the ADC to create chaos so he won’t contest.”
ADC’s interim national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also claimed that “sponsored attacks” are being directed at the party’s leadership since David Mark replaced Ralph Nwosu as chairman. He vowed that the party would resist any attempt to derail its 2027 mission.
As the ADC’s internal chess game intensifies, the political stakes are rising. Whether Atiku stays the course, Jonathan makes a dramatic return, or both men face off under the same party remains one of the most closely watched stories on the road to 2027.
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