FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delayed plans to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fueling speculation about a brewing political showdown with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is rumoured to be weighing a return to the 2027 presidential race.
Atiku, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after prolonged disputes, had been scheduled to collect his ADC membership card in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State, on August 6.
The event, however, has been postponed indefinitely.
According to ADC Adamawa chairman Shehu Yohana, Atiku indicated the ceremony might now take place in mid-August or later, potentially September, as he awaits the defection of certain All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to the ADC.
Sources told News Point Nigeria that the delay could be tied to a quiet power struggle within ADC, where former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s allies allegedly control the party’s southern structures—complicating Atiku’s presidential ambitions.
Other sources suggest Atiku could shift to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) if the situation worsens.
Meanwhile, a senior ADC figure disclosed that the party is in active discussions with Jonathan, who is reportedly open to joining, but not under the PDP, partly due to the influence of Nyesom Wike within the party.
The rumoured Jonathan comeback is already generating online buzz, with campaign posters pairing him with various running mates, including Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal and former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
However, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, has publicly stated she supports First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and has no plans to return to the Villa.
Atiku’s spokesperson Paul Ibe dismissed any suggestion that Jonathan’s potential bid was a factor in the delay, insisting the registration process is ongoing and that Atiku is not threatened by any rival.
He accused the APC of attempting to destabilise the ADC to remove Atiku from the 2027 ballot.
ADC national officials have also accused the ruling party of sponsoring internal unrest in a bid to weaken the coalition ahead of the elections.
The internal jostling within ADC comes as the party positions itself for key upcoming contests, including the 2026 Osun governorship race, where leaders such as Rauf Aregbesola claim divine backing for victory.