By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Fresh concerns have emerged over the health condition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following the postponement of the presidential screening exercise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Sources within the party disclosed on Monday that Atiku reportedly fell ill over the weekend and was placed on bed rest by his personal physician, a development said to have contributed to the postponement of the screening exercise to Wednesday.
The ADC had earlier shifted its presidential screening exercise amid internal disagreements over the party’s preferred consensus candidate ahead of the primary election.
Party leaders were said to be divided among three leading contenders — former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Sources within the party explained that the postponement was driven by ongoing consultations and negotiations among key stakeholders seeking to rally support behind a consensus candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the general election.
However, insiders also revealed that Atiku’s reported illness played a role in the decision to delay the exercise.
“We went to see him on Saturday to discuss the manifesto and they said he could not come down because he was sick,” a party source disclosed.
Another source confirmed on Monday that the former presidential candidate was still unwell.
According to party insiders, Atiku allegedly became ill on Saturday and was treated at home by his personal doctor.
“He fell seriously sick on Saturday. He was treated at home by his personal physician and placed on enforced bed rest throughout Sunday,” a source familiar with the matter said.
Another insider stated that the ADC leadership was informed of the situation after party officials attempted to meet with him.
“The party leadership was informed when they sought to see him. His current condition is still unclear,” the source added.
Sources further noted that the last public event attended by the former vice president was the submission of his nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja before he reportedly took ill.
However, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims that the former vice president was ill.
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, did not respond to calls and text messages seeking clarification on the matter.
Uncertainty also continues to surround the party’s presidential primary election scheduled for May 25, as sources cited financial constraints and disagreements over moves to adopt a consensus candidate.
“Even their primaries date is now unsure; they don’t have money and Atiku is not allowing a consensus that does not favour him,” one of the sources claimed.
The party had on Saturday announced the postponement of its screening exercise for presidential and governorship aspirants from the weekend to Monday, May 18, 2026.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC also disclosed that the screening of some federal lawmaker aspirants from affected parts of Northern Nigeria would now be conducted in Abuja due to prevailing security concerns in the region.
Written by Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Int’l Journalist, Reporting in French & English Languages, Senior News Editor @ 9newsng.com, Author of Many Books, Researcher, World Politics Analyst, French Language Lecturer
E-mail: [email protected]
