Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is reportedly poised to formalize his membership with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) upon his return to Nigeria, July 21, 2025.
This move follows his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has stirred considerable debate within Nigeria’s political circles.
Delay Linked to Travel, Not Hesitation
Sources close to Atiku told Vanguard on Monday that his recent international travels are responsible for the delay in joining the ADC.
They explained that Atiku prefers completing the registration personally rather than delegating the task to a representative.
According to the source, Atiku understands that such a high-profile political shift demands physical presence to command symbolic weight.
This gesture, they contend, is critical for shaping public perception and strengthening potential alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political Symbolism Over Practicality
The source detailed Atiku’s itinerary, noting he traveled to Daura, the hometown of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, for Buhari’s burial before flying abroad for a two-week planned break.
This pause, they said, delayed his formal ADC registration process.
“There is a need for Nigerians to witness His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar collecting his membership card and fulfilling the formalities,” the source remarked.
They emphasized that such visibility would underscore the seriousness of Atiku’s decision.
Media Savvy Political Calculations
Plans to announce Atiku’s ADC membership intend to create maximum media buzz and political momentum. The exact date remains unspecified, but insiders assert the move will be among Atiku’s first public acts post-break.
Observers expect the registration event to be choreographed for peak visibility, designed to make an unmistakable statement about Atiku’s new political trajectory.
A Major Political Realignment in Nigeria?
Atiku’s shift to ADC signifies more than a simple party change.
It signals possible fractures within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
After decades of dominance by PDP along with the ruling APC, defections to smaller parties like ADC raise questions about traditional party loyalties.
Critics argue that Atiku’s move reflects political opportunism rather than ideological commitment.
They question whether ADC can offer a genuine platform for change or if it serves as a convenience for political survival.
Atiku’s Political Legacy at Stake
Atiku’s political career has spanned decades, marked by notable influence but marred by repeated electoral disappointments and allegations of corruption.
His exit from PDP and transition to ADC could either rejuvenate his relevance or further fragment opposition efforts to challenge the ruling party.
The decision to personally collect the membership card demonstrates Atiku’s awareness of his public image.
It also sets the stage for renewed political battles ahead, especially as Nigeria approaches the critical 2027 elections.
Opposition Parties Eye Strategic Gains
ADC could leverage Atiku’s prominence to boost its national profile.
However, skeptics warn that such sudden prominence might rely heavily on one figure, risking the party’s sustainability in the long term.
Meanwhile, PDP faces the challenge of rebranding and maintaining coherence amid high-profile defections.
The political opposition’s fragmentation may inadvertently strengthen the incumbent’s hold on power.
Public Reaction: Hope or Cynicism?
Nigerian citizens display mixed reactions.
Some welcome new political realignments as opportunities for fresh leadership.
Others remain cynical, perceiving these moves as tactical rather than transformative.
Many question whether meaningful change can come from rearranging political allegiances rather than reforming governance systems.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect in 2027
The 2027 elections loom large.
Atiku’s entry into ADC reshuffles opposition dynamics and complicates electoral math.
Whether his move energizes opposition forces or deepens divisions remains to be seen.
Political analysts caution that Atiku’s shift alone cannot guarantee electoral success.
Broad coalition-building and policy clarity will be crucial for any opposition party seeking to unseat the ruling APC.
A Calculated Gamble with High Stakes
Atiku Abubakar’s impending membership with the ADC marks a daring gamble.
It embraces controversy and invites scrutiny over motives and implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
His insistence on personally formalizing the move underscores its political gravity and his desire to control the narrative.
Yet, the success of this political repositioning will depend on his ability to convert symbolism into substance.
Nigeria’s political future hangs in the balance as this high-stakes game plays out.
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