2027: Jonathan to join ADC if guaranteed presidential ticket

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be considering aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, as the party’s coalition of opposition forces gathers strength and intensifies consultations with key political stakeholders across the country.

Multiple members of the ADC National Working Committee, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the topic publicly, confirmed that the former president was evaluating the platform.

Recent speculations have suggested that former President Jonathan may run against President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Although Jonathan has yet to make a public statement about his intentions, some PDP officials have urged him to run on the party’s platform. While some Nigerians embrace the concept and even provide other venues, others encourage him not to enter the contest.

Beyond party politics, public opinion is mixed on Jonathan’s eligibility, particularly in light of the 2018 constitutional amendment prohibiting anyone who has been sworn in twice as president or governor from running again.

However, in what appears to be preparation for a prospective announcement, former President Jonathan has significantly expanded his public activities in recent weeks. In addition to attending practically every national event to which he is invited, he has met with key political personalities.

Notably, Jonathan met with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, in Abuja on September 12 and then spoke with ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark and other coalition party officials on September 25.

A source within the ADC leadership states that Jonathan’s meeting with the coalition leaders was largely centered on the 2027 presidential election.

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He stated, “The truth is, Jonathan is a very important and patriotic Nigerian, and he will 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.

Another source disclosed that Jonathan might join the ADC if the party agreed to give him the presidential ticket unopposed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

He stated, “Of course, the former president met with some leaders of our party. Part of the discussion was about leadership in the country, the challenges, and how the All Progressives Congress has destroyed most of the democratic institutions and complicated matters for Nigerians generally in terms of the economy and security.

“So, ADC is the only formidable opposition party that is not under the grip of the APC. Jonathan is considering the platform. And from what I have gathered, if the party will willingly grant him the ticket, he may consider running on the platform of the ADC. Even though he hasn’t come out clearly about his intention and ambition for 2027, the subtle negotiations and discussions we’ve had so far all point in that direction.

“Of course, the discussions centered 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.”

“And that is if the likes of Obi and Atiku will agree to a consensus arrangement and support him as the party’s candidate. So, in all, we’re optimistic. As Nigerians are waiting for him to make a clarification and declaration and make his intention known, we are also waiting.”

In his statements, ADC Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai indicated that Jonathan’s conversation with Mark focused on the future.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Rufai stated, “Yes, in the situation of the ADC, every good Nigerian who is patriotic and concerned about his nation would desire an alternative.

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For the time being, the ADC is the only available option. You can view the leadership of the PDP, what’s going on with the PDP leadership, the factions, and the Labour Party. They’re essentially an extension of the APC. As a result, the ADC is the only credible platform with trusted leaders of integrity in whom people may place their trust.

“You know, leadership is about trust. So, in the person of former President Goodluck Jonathan, he’s a patriotic citizen. He has written his name in gold, not only in Nigeria but also in the international community. So, it’s not a surprise that he has met with our National Chairman and other leaders of our party. I am very sure what they have discussed is all about the future of the country.

“They are putting their heads together, most especially the former head of state, the elder statesman, and any other patriotic citizen who is looking for alternatives, looking for the way out. And for Jonathan and other Nigerians, ADC is the way out. ADC is the only opposition party now. All the other opposition parties are not trusted by their members. Their members are defecting to ADC because their leadership has been sold out to the APC.”

When contacted, Mani Ibrahim, the ADC’s National Treasurer and a coalition party member, stated that coalition officials have been meeting with stakeholders and that numerous more will be held prior to the 2027 elections.

 Ibrahim stated that if the momentum currently being built by the ADC is maintained, the party will achieve its desired results in the next election.

He stated, “We have had a series of meetings with many eminent Nigerians, and more meetings are set to take place soon. Between now and the next two years, we have strategized. We have a roadmap, and we are following it diligently.

“Everything will fall in place, I can assure you. We are building on the fact that Nigerians are not satisfied with the present administration. The level of poverty and hunger, deprivation, and insecurity that is everywhere. People are complaining left, right, and center.

“And we have come forth with an appeal that Nigerians have accepted within the last two months. This appeal is to assure them that we feel what they feel. We are aware of their plight, and we know how much they are suffering. And they see faces they can trust to bring about the desired change for this country to get out of the quagmire we have found ourselves in within the last two years.

“So, we are confident that with the momentum we have gained, and if we are able to sustain it and further deepen the party in the states, local governments, in the wards, and at the polling units, and continue to reach out, particularly to the younger generation—the youths in this country who form a very huge demographic voting bloc—we should be able to get the kind of results we anticipate. And more so, every filler we are getting from all parts of the country is indicative that Nigerians believe they deserve better and they are not getting it from this administration.”

2027: Jonathan to join ADC if guaranteed presidential ticket