Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s quiet political consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election may have encountered a setback following a crucial closed-door meeting with Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting, held at Mark’s residence, focused squarely on Jonathan’s ambition to return to Aso Rock under the platform of the coalition party. However, the former president did not receive the assurances he had hoped for regarding the ADC presidential ticket.
Mark Insists on Party Membership and Transparent Primaries
During the meeting, Mark reportedly made it clear that Jonathan would not be granted an automatic ticket. Instead, he advised the former president to formally register with the ADC and participate in the party’s primary election if he wished to contest on its platform.
Jonathan, who was seeking some form of commitment from the party leadership, was unable to secure any firm promises. Both men eventually agreed to reconvene at a later date to reassess the situation, sources familiar with the discussion confirmed.
Aspirants Hesitant Over Risky Commitments
Jonathan is not the only political heavyweight exploring the ADC as a possible platform for 2027. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are also said to be in talks with party leaders.
However, all three are reportedly reluctant to fully commit to ADC without assurances that they would secure the presidential ticket. Analysts say making a premature commitment could be politically damaging if any of them loses the primary.
“The fear is that joining ADC without guaranteed backing could leave them stranded if they don’t clinch the ticket,” a source explained.
Power Dynamics Inside ADC Complicate Matters
Sources within the party say Atiku currently wields considerable influence, controlling as much as 65–70 percent of ADC’s structure. This dominance, they noted, has made it difficult for party leaders to offer Obi or Jonathan a clear path to the ticket.
One insider claimed that some party leaders have suggested making Obi a running mate, but no one has been willing to ask Atiku to step aside. Obi, for his part, has consistently argued that power should remain in the South for equity reasons and has promised to serve only one term if elected.
He has also reportedly told party leaders that he would not contest any primary election against Atiku, particularly in Adamawa State, effectively ruling out the possibility of both men running on the same platform unless Atiku abandons his presidential ambition.
Jonathan Seen as Compromise Option—but Faces Northern Resistance
Within some ADC circles, Jonathan is viewed as a potential compromise candidate because he can only serve one term under the constitution, which appeals to certain northern political interests. However, his traditional support base in the South-East is now firmly aligned with Obi, complicating his chances.
Additionally, Atiku’s grip on the party and the absence of a clear succession agreement make it difficult for Jonathan to receive a “free pass” to the ticket. “He has two major challenges — getting the ticket handed to him and winning the North’s support,” a party insider explained.
PDP Not an Option Amid Legal Battles
Jonathan’s preference for ADC also signals his likely break from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he once led. His camp reportedly believes that the PDP has become too “toxic” due to internal crises and multiple legal disputes.
So far, joining ADC remains his only realistic option, but without a guaranteed ticket, his comeback bid faces uncertainty.