Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja, fueling speculation about his possible return to the presidential race in 2027.
Jonathan, who has largely stayed away from partisan consultations since leaving office in 2015, met the ADC stakeholders at the residence of the party’s National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator David Mark. Those present included ADC spokesperson and former Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, and ex-PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.
Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, party insiders said the former president has begun consultations amid mounting pressure from political allies urging him to contest. His talks with ADC leaders are seen as part of broader efforts to forge a united opposition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Jonathan, still viewed by many as a strong contender, is believed to appeal to northern stakeholders who may prefer a candidate constitutionally limited to a single four-year term. His name reportedly tops the list of potential challengers to Tinubu.
The meeting coincided with an ADC directive instructing members to resign from other political parties, though no deadline was set for compliance. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the caucus had also resolved all issues relating to the African Democratic Association (ADA), effectively resting the matter.
Abdullahi further announced that all ADC presidential aspirants have pledged to support whoever emerges from the party’s primaries. The National Working Committee is also expected to release schedules for primaries in Osun and Ekiti states ahead of their governorship elections.
The Abuja meeting drew several high-profile politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi. Labour Party’s Peter Obi was absent but reportedly sent his apologies and reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition coalition.
