Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delayed plans to officially receive his African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership card, a move that comes amid speculation of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the 2027 presidential race.

Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after prolonged internal wrangling, was expected to formalise his entry into the ADC in his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State. The event, initially slated for August 6, has now been postponed indefinitely, with ADC’s Adamawa chairman, Shehu Yohana, confirming that the date could shift to September.

Sources within the ADC hint that the party has been in discreet talks with Jonathan, reportedly offering him a platform for a presidential bid outside the PDP. Party insiders suggest this possibility, along with internal tussles involving former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s influence in the South, has complicated Atiku’s onboarding process.

While some ADC figures claim Atiku might pivot to the Social Democratic Party if tensions persist, his media aide, Paul Ibe, insists the delay has nothing to do with Jonathan or Obi, stressing that Atiku remains committed to the ADC registration process. “Atiku is a democrat who welcomes competition,” Ibe said, dismissing suggestions that he feels threatened.

Behind the scenes, some ADC officials allege that President Bola Tinubu’s camp is working to destabilise the party to keep Atiku off the ballot. They accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fuelling internal disputes to weaken the opposition ahead of 2027.

Meanwhile, campaign posters of Jonathan have surfaced online, pairing him with figures like Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Yet, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, has publicly stated she would not support a return to the presidency, pledging loyalty to current First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.