The Digest:
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delayed his formal defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that coincides with growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan is being courted by the same party for a 2027 presidential run.
Key Points:
- Atiku Abubakar has indefinitely postponed the collection of his ADC membership card, an event initially scheduled for August 6th in his hometown of Jada.
- Atiku's camp claims the delay is to allow some APC governors to defect to the ADC first. However, an ADC chieftain alleges the postponement is due to a power struggle with Peter Obi's movement, which he claims has "hijacked" the party's structures in the South.
- A principal member of the ADC confirmed the party is in talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who has given a "positive response" to a potential 2027 presidential run on the party's platform.
- The article highlights the irony of the situation, noting that Jonathan's wife, Patience Jonathan, publicly declared her support for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid earlier this year.
- Atiku's media aide denies any fear of Jonathan or Peter Obi, stating that his principal is a democrat who welcomes competition. The aide insists that Atiku's registration with the ADC is still on track and has not been suspended.
- An anonymous ADC chieftain has accused the Tinubu government of being behind the internal crisis, claiming the APC is afraid of Atiku and is trying to destabilize the party to ensure a smooth 2027 election.
Sources: Sunday PUNCH
