Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly considering aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the opposition coalition intensifies consultations with key political stakeholders nationwide.
Multiple members of the ADC National Working Committee confirmed to Sunday PUNCH, on condition of anonymity, that Jonathan is weighing the platform as a possible base for a political comeback.
Speculation about Jonathan’s return to the presidential race has grown in recent weeks, with some suggesting he could challenge President Bola Tinubu. While Jonathan has not made his intentions public, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have urged him to run under their platform. Others argue he should stay out of the race, citing the constitutional amendment of 2018, which bars anyone sworn in twice as president or governor from seeking office again.
Despite this, Jonathan has noticeably stepped up his political engagements, attending national events and meeting with influential figures. On September 12, he met with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi in Abuja. Days later, he held discussions with ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark and other coalition leaders.
Sources within the ADC leadership said the talks largely focused on the 2027 elections and the possibility of Jonathan becoming the party’s candidate. One source revealed that Jonathan may be open to running if he is assured of the ticket without opposition from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi.
“The truth is, Jonathan is a very important and patriotic Nigerian, and he will be a great asset to our party,” one party official said. “Discussions have centred on the 2027 elections and Nigeria’s future leadership. If the party willingly grants him the ticket, he may consider running under the ADC.”
ADC Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai also confirmed Jonathan’s engagement with the party’s leadership, describing him as a “patriotic citizen who has written his name in gold” and insisting that the ADC is the only credible alternative to the ruling APC.
Meanwhile, APC spokesperson Bala Ibrahim dismissed the possibility of Jonathan winning under the ADC, saying, “Our party defeated him when he was confident in the PDP. Beating him will be easier now that he is considering a party that has no real structure.”
While Jonathan’s intentions remain unclear, ADC leaders and opposition figures continue to court him as momentum builds toward the 2027 elections.
