Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has postponed his planned formal entry into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may join the party’s platform for the 2027 presidential race.
Atiku, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to prolonged internal disputes, had been expected to pick up his ADC membership card at a ceremony in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State, on Wednesday, August 6. However, sources have confirmed to Sunday Punch that the event has been postponed indefinitely, with no official explanation from Atiku’s camp.
An ADC chieftain revealed that the party has been holding discreet consultations with Jonathan about potentially running for president under its banner. The talks have led to strategic discussions within the party, as Jonathan’s appeal across party lines could significantly impact the 2027 election.
Shehu Yohana, the ADC Chairman in Adamawa State, confirmed the postponement of Atiku’s reception. He explained, “I spoke with the former vice president on the phone Friday morning, and he told me he has shifted the event to mid-August, but no specific date was mentioned. From the way things are going, due to one issue or the other, the event may get to September. He said that he was waiting for some APC governors who are planning to join ADC to decamp before his event in Jada.”
A senior ADC member also revealed that talks with Jonathan have been progressing positively, and the former president is unlikely to contest under the PDP, given the ongoing internal conflicts within the party. The source added, “Jonathan appreciates the efforts of the coalition leaders to rescue the country from the current economic crisis caused by President Bola Tinubu’s policies. He understands the situation and sees how things have worsened since his departure.”
Asked whether Jonathan would automatically be granted the presidential ticket, the ADC member said, “When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”
The ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, offered a brief response when contacted, stating, “ADC is open to everybody, and we look forward to having every Nigerian who is ready to rescue the country from this hardship.”
As discussions continue, the possibility of Jonathan joining the ADC has generated significant interest, with many watching to see how the party will navigate the strategic choices ahead of the 2027 elections.
