Politics

2027: Jonathan to join ADC if guaranteed presidential ticket

Published

6 months ago

October 5, 2025

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

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

Related Topics:ADC Featured Jonathan presidential ticket

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Politics

Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

Published

3 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam

Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has alleged that his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, attempted to remove him from office and take over the leadership of the state government.

Governor Yusuf made the claim during a meeting with a group of praise singers known as “Mawallafan Abba Gida Gida” at the Government House in Kano, where he spoke extensively on internal political developments within his administration and party structure.

He said the alleged move was part of an attempt to destabilise his government, insisting that he was not responsible for any actions that led to the deputy governor’s exit from office.

“Today, the deputy governor who came with us on the same ticket is no longer with us. Nobody offended him. In fact, I have not even seen his resignation letter,” he said.

The governor further alleged that the former deputy’s actions were aimed at replacing him, stating that the attempt did not succeed.

“Whatever made him act that way was an attempt to remove me and take the position, but God did not allow it,” Yusuf added.

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Governor Yusuf also questioned internal political decisions within the Kwankwasiyya political structure, suggesting that the former deputy governor was sidelined despite his contributions and aspirations within the movement.

He raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in political appointments and succession planning, arguing that some individuals were being favoured over long-standing members of the group.

“The deputy governor who left, hoping to secure that ticket, what did he do wrong? Why not give him the ticket? Is that not a betrayal of him?” he queried.

The governor, however, maintained that his administration remains stable and focused on governance, adding that political distractions would not derail development efforts in Kano State.

He also dismissed suggestions that recent political developments within his camp amounted to betrayal on his part, insisting that his decisions were taken in the interest of the people of Kano.

According to him, critics who accuse him of disloyalty are ignoring the internal challenges that led to recent political realignments.

He argued that key decisions within the political movement were taken without proper consultation, raising questions about internal democracy and inclusion.

Yusuf further maintained that his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was necessary to prevent political uncertainty and protect the interests of millions of Kano residents.

He said efforts to resolve internal disagreements within the party were unsuccessful, forcing his administration to take a different political direction.

“We saw the direction the party was heading and offered advice, but it was ignored. God showed us the way, and we left because we did not want to put millions of Kano residents in uncertainty,” he said.

The governor also accused unnamed political actors of promoting individuals he described as former opponents of the Kwankwasiyya movement, questioning what he called “political betrayal” within the system.

He maintained that his administration remains open to credible individuals interested in serving as deputy governor, following the exit of his former deputy.

Political observers say the remarks highlight deepening tensions within Kano’s political landscape, where internal disagreements and shifting alliances continue to shape governance and party structures ahead of future elections.

The former deputy governor has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

Politics

2027: ADC Will Not Field Candidates Above 55 Years, Says Factional Chairman

Published

4 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Factional National Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala

2027: ADC Will Not Field Candidates Above 55 Years, Says Factional Chairman

The factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, has announced that the party will not present any candidate above 55 years of age in the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, saying the policy is aimed at promoting youth inclusion in leadership and reshaping the party’s future.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Bala said the proposed ADC candidate age limit is intended to create space for younger Nigerians to take up elective positions across all levels of government.

He said many political actors in the country are already too old to continue in leadership, insisting that the time had come for a generational shift.

“All the new illegal members are 88, 75, 90 years of age. They should allow us youths to step in and lead. My focus is to ensure that anyone over the age of 55 will not be a candidate of the ADC. It is high time the youths are given a chance,” he said.

Bala maintained that the policy would apply to all elective positions, including presidential, governorship, and legislative offices, as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The African Democratic Congress has, however, been facing an ongoing internal leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure.

The situation has been further complicated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has reportedly declined to recognise any of the competing factions as the legitimate leadership of the party, deepening uncertainty over its direction ahead of the next general election.

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Addressing allegations that he is being backed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the opposition ahead of 2027, Bala dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated.

“These people, judging by their history in their former political parties, are used to causing conflicts and strife. They are trying to do the same thing in the ADC,” he said.

Bala also reacted to his absence from a reconciliation meeting reportedly convened by former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying he was occupied with preparations for the 2027 elections and did not consider the invitation official.

He questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, insisting that party matters should be handled through proper ADC structures rather than informal discussions.

“We are planning for the 2027 elections and have a lot of engagements. I am not someone who has free time to attend any meeting called in someone’s parlour,” he said.

The factional chairman further insisted that the ongoing crisis in the party can only be resolved through strict adherence to the ADC constitution and proper membership procedures.

He urged new entrants into the party to follow due process, warning against attempts to influence party structure through informal channels or illegitimate means.

“The only way forward is for these illegitimate newcomers to go back, study our constitution and follow the proper process of joining the party,” he added.

Bala also responded to criticisms of his leadership, particularly comments about his age, insisting that leadership is determined by competence and divine will rather than background or influence.

Despite the internal wrangling, he reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the ADC and ensuring greater participation of young Nigerians in politics ahead of the 2027 elections in Nigeria.

2027: ADC Will Not Field Candidates Above 55 Years, Says Factional Chairman

Politics

NBA Warns Lawyers, Courts Against Interfering in Political Party Disputes

Published

4 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

NBA Warns Lawyers, Courts Against Interfering in Political Party Disputes

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned lawyers and the judiciary against involvement in political party disputes in Nigeria, cautioning that continued court interference in intra-party matters could undermine democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of litigation dragging courts into internal party conflicts, despite clear restrictions under the Electoral Act 2022.

The NBA said recent political developments show an increasing misuse of the courts to settle internal party leadership and candidate selection disputes, warning that such actions raise serious constitutional and rule-of-law concerns.

According to the association, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act prohibit courts from interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, except in limited circumstances provided by law. It also stressed that the law restricts the granting of interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.

The NBA quoted parts of the law to emphasize that courts are expected to avoid premature intervention and instead allow cases to proceed to accelerated hearing and final judgment where necessary.

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Despite these provisions, the association lamented that some courts have continued to entertain such cases, issuing orders that affect party leadership structures and internal governance decisions.

The NBA also accused some lawyers of engaging in forum shopping and filing what it described as mala fide applications aimed at securing favourable judicial outcomes in politically sensitive matters.

It warned that such practices amount to an abuse of court process and a breach of professional ethics, stressing that lawyers must not act as political actors in pursuit of partisan advantage.

The association further stated that any legal practitioner found guilty of deliberately filing politically motivated suits or seeking ex parte orders in violation of statutory provisions risks disciplinary action before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

NBA President Afam Osigwe urged lawyers to uphold professional integrity and avoid being used as instruments of political manipulation, especially in matters where jurisdiction is clearly excluded by law.

The association also called on courts to exercise restraint and reject invitations to intervene in disputes that the law expressly bars them from adjudicating, warning that judicial involvement in such matters could weaken public confidence in the judiciary.

It further urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction judicial officers who assume jurisdiction in prohibited cases or issue orders contrary to electoral laws.

The NBA also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and avoid actions that could be perceived as interference in internal party politics, stressing the importance of institutional neutrality in preserving democratic credibility.

According to the association, the increasing reliance on courts to resolve internal party conflicts risks turning the judiciary into a political battleground and undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rule of law and ensuring that all stakeholders operate strictly within constitutional boundaries as the country approaches the 2027 elections in Nigeria.