Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly considering aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the party’s coalition of opposition forces continues to strengthen and intensify consultations with key political stakeholders across the country.
Multiple members of the ADC National Working Committee, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, confirmed that the former president is indeed considering the platform.
In recent weeks, there have been growing reports suggesting that Jonathan may contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu. Although the former president has not made an official statement about his intentions, several leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been urging him to return and contest under the party’s banner. While some Nigerians support the idea — even suggesting alternative platforms — others have advised him to steer clear of the race altogether.
Beyond party politics, public opinion remains sharply divided over Jonathan’s eligibility to run, particularly in light of the 2018 constitutional amendment that bars anyone who has been sworn in twice as president or governor from contesting again.
However, in what appears to be part of wider consultations ahead of a possible declaration, Jonathan has noticeably increased his public engagements in recent months. In addition to attending nearly all major national events to which he is invited, he has also been meeting with prominent political figures across party lines.
Notably, the former president met with the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Abuja on September 12, and later held a private meeting with the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and other leaders of the coalition party on September 25. Sources revealed that the discussions largely centred on the 2027 presidential election and Nigeria’s future leadership.
One senior ADC official stated, “The truth is, Jonathan is a very important and patriotic Nigerian, and he would be a great asset to our party. Our party has already established communication with him. As you may know, the National Chairman and some members of the ADC have met with him several times.
“Of course, the discussions centred on the 2027 elections and the future leadership of Nigeria. We believe that the ADC will serve as a better platform for all Nigerians, including Jonathan. It is the only credible alternative platform, and we are working with him and many others whom we expect to join the party.”
Another source disclosed that Jonathan might agree to join the ADC if the party agrees to hand him the presidential ticket unopposed, with the backing of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi under a consensus arrangement.
He added, “The former president met with some of our leaders, and discussions were focused on Nigeria’s leadership challenges, particularly how the All Progressives Congress (APC) has weakened democratic institutions and worsened the economy and security situation.
“The ADC remains the only formidable opposition party not under the influence of the APC. Jonathan is considering the platform, and from what I’ve gathered, if the party willingly grants him the ticket, he may consider running on that platform. While he has not come out clearly about his ambition, the ongoing negotiations point strongly in that direction.
“And that is if the likes of Obi and Atiku agree to a consensus arrangement and support him as the party’s candidate. We are optimistic. Nigerians are waiting for him to make his position known, and so are we.”
In his remarks, the ADC Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, confirmed that Jonathan’s discussion with Senator Mark focused primarily on the future of Nigeria’s leadership and the possibility of building a credible, people-oriented political movement ahead of 2027.