By Ismaeel Aleem
Former President Goodluck Jonathan held a closed-door meeting with Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), last night in Abuja.
The meeting followed the ADC’s inaugural National Caucus meeting, attended by prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, intensifying speculation about Jonathan’s potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election.
While the specific agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed, speculations suggest it is likely linked to the 2027 polls, where opposition parties are strategising to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
The ADC, recently adopted as a coalition platform by opposition leaders, is positioning itself as a formidable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015 before losing to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has not officially declared his intention to contest in 2027.
However, legal interpretations suggest he may be eligible for one additional term, fueling speculation about his political ambitions.
The meeting comes amid efforts by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to persuade Jonathan to run under their banner, though he remains technically affiliated with the PDP without active involvement since 2015.
His recent engagement with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, on 11 September in Abuja further heightened discussions about his potential role in the upcoming election. Sources indicate these meetings reflect ongoing consultations as Jonathan weighs his options.
David Mark, who served as Senate President during Jonathan’s presidency, shares a longstanding professional rapport with the former president, which may bolster the ADC’s appeal as a platform for his candidacy.
The ADC’s growing prominence, bolstered by defections from other parties, underscores its ambition to unite opposition forces.
