2027: Atiku Stalls ADC Membership Move as Jonathan Comeback Rumours Intensify

Atiku Abubakar

Firstsitenews-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put a pause on his anticipated entry into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid swirling speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan could mount a 2027 presidential comeback with the ADC reportedly among the parties courting him.

Atiku, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party following prolonged internal wrangling, had been scheduled to formalise his defection by collecting his ADC membership card in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State. The presentation, originally set for Wednesday, August 6, has now been postponed indefinitely, with no official explanation from his camp.

However, ADC insiders suggest the delay may be linked to behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Adamawa State ADC Chairman Shehu Yohana confirmed the development:

“I spoke with the former vice president on Friday morning, and he told me he had shifted the event to mid-August, though no specific date was given. From the way things are going, it may even extend into September,” Yohana said, adding that Atiku indicated he was waiting for some All Progressives Congress governors to join the ADC before holding the event.

Behind-the-scenes tension: Atiku, Obi, Jonathan

A national-level ADC chieftain, who requested anonymity, revealed that the delay might also be tied to tensions between Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to the source, Obi’s political movement has allegedly taken control of ADC structures in the South  a move seen as a direct challenge to Atiku’s presidential aspirations.

 “If things don’t fall into place for Atiku within the next few weeks, I won’t be surprised if he defects to the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” the chieftain said.

The same source claimed that the recent suspension of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the SDP was partly due to concerns that Atiku might join the party and establish what he called a “political cartel.”

With Jonathan’s possible re-entry into the presidential race and both Atiku and Obi positioning themselves for 2027, the ADC and Nigeria’s broader political landscape  may be heading for a high-stakes realignment in the coming months.