Fresh concerns have emerged over the health of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar after sources said he fell ill over the weekend and was placed on bed rest by his personal physician. The development comes as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) postponed its presidential screening exercise, with party insiders linking the delay partly to Atiku’s condition.
According to ADC sources who spoke to _Sahara Reporters_ on Monday, Atiku became unwell over the weekend and has been resting on medical advice. “We went to see him on Saturday to discuss the manifesto and they said he cannot come down because he was sick,” one source disclosed. Another source independently confirmed on Monday that the former presidential candidate was still unwell.
The ADC had earlier scheduled its presidential screening for Monday, May 18, 2026, but shifted it to Wednesday following internal disagreements over a consensus candidate. Party leaders have been unable to reach a final agreement among three leading contenders: former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
While the official explanation cited ongoing consultations and negotiations among key stakeholders to strengthen the party’s chances against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, other party sources said Atiku’s illness was among the factors that contributed to the postponement. The delay is expected to give officials more time to resolve differences and prevent divisions ahead of the rescheduled primary.
Atiku’s camp has not issued an official statement on his health status as of press time. The former vice president has faced similar speculation in past election cycles, with his aides often dismissing reports of ill health as politically motivated.
The ADC’s internal dynamics remain tense. The party recently ruled out automatic tickets for any aspirant, insisting the presidential flag would be open to all members to strengthen internal democracy. Still, sources say negotiations are ongoing to rally behind a consensus candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge in 2027….See More
