Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly weighing the option of joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the ADC National Working Committee confirmed to Sunday PUNCH—under the condition of anonymity—that Jonathan had been approached by key figures in the coalition and was seriously considering aligning with the party.
The development comes amid growing speculation that the former president might contest the 2027 presidential election against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While Jonathan has not made any official statement regarding his political plans, calls from various quarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to mount, urging him to run again on the PDP platform.
Public opinion, however, remains divided—especially due to the 2018 constitutional amendment, which bars anyone who has been sworn in twice as president or governor from contesting for the same office again.
Series of High-Level Consultations
In what many describe as part of ongoing consultations, Jonathan has recently increased his public and political engagements. Apart from attending major national events, he has also been holding private meetings with key political figures.
Notably, he met with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Abuja on September 12, and later held discussions with ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark and other coalition leaders on September 25.
A top ADC official disclosed that the meetings were centered on the 2027 elections and the future direction of Nigeria’s leadership.
“Jonathan is a patriotic Nigerian and will be a huge asset to our party,” the source said. “Our chairman and some senior members have met with him several times. The discussions were focused on 2027 and the kind of leadership Nigeria needs going forward.”
Another insider revealed that Jonathan might officially join the ADC if the party agrees to give him the presidential ticket unopposed, with potential consensus support from Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
“Jonathan has not made a clear declaration yet, but discussions so far indicate he’s seriously considering it,” the source added. “If the ADC agrees to a consensus ticket with support from Atiku and Obi, he may likely run on that platform.”
ADC Youth Leader Confirms Talks
The ADC Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, confirmed that the former president’s meeting with Senator Mark revolved around the future of the country.
“Every patriotic Nigerian wants a credible alternative, and for now, the ADC is that alternative,” Rufai said. “The PDP and Labour Party are both divided, while the ADC has remained a trusted and credible platform. Dr. Jonathan’s integrity and leadership record make him a good fit for our vision of rebuilding Nigeria.”
He further stated that more opposition figures are expected to join the ADC soon, describing the party as the “only genuine opposition force not under the grip of the APC.”
ADC Leadership Confident Ahead of 2027
Confirming ongoing consultations, the ADC National Treasurer, Mani Ibrahim, told Sunday PUNCH that the party had been holding strategic meetings with stakeholders across the country.
“We have met with many prominent Nigerians, and we have a clear roadmap toward 2027,” Ibrahim explained. “Nigerians are not happy with the current administration. Poverty, insecurity, and hunger are on the rise. People are now looking for credible alternatives, and the ADC is offering that.”
He expressed optimism that with sustained momentum and deepened grassroots presence, the party could emerge as a formidable force in the next general election.
APC Reacts
Reacting to the reports, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed Jonathan’s potential comeback as a non-threat.
“Our party defeated him when he was at his strongest in the PDP,” Ibrahim said. “If he decides to run again, regardless of the platform, defeat still awaits him. Nigerians have already moved on.”