EXCLUSIVE 2027: Jonathan Set to Join ADC as Associates, Kinsmen Reject Calls to Back Tinubu

As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general election, behind-the-scenes discussions among opposition power brokers are beginning to shape what could become one of the most consequential political contests since the return to democracy in 1999. At the heart of the unfolding drama are former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has emerged as a potential rallying platform for a broad-based opposition coalition.

 

Investigations by NEWS WEEK NIGERIA reveal that internal disagreements, particularly over Atiku’s insistence on contesting the ADC’s presidential ticket, are slowing efforts by influential political figures to formally align with the party ahead of 2027. Among those reportedly pausing their moves is Jonathan, whose possible entry into the ADC is already stirring intense speculation across political circles.

 

Jonathan, who lost his 2015 re-election bid to the late former president Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is said to enjoy significant goodwill among some influential interests within the ADC. Party insiders claim that should he formally join, he would instantly become one of the most favored aspirants for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

 

However, the uncertainty surrounding the zoning of the ADC’s ticket has created a holding pattern. Several opposition figures across geopolitical zones are reportedly waiting to see whether the party will commit to fielding a southern candidate before making any firm commitments. For many of them, the question of regional balance remains central to their calculations.

 

Sources close to Jonathan, most of whom are of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extraction, have remained deliberately guarded about his next move. One insider told NEWS WEEK NIGERIA that while the former president is not desperate to contest again, he is firm in his conviction that he will not support a northern candidate for the presidency in 2027, whether within the ADC or on any other platform.

 

According to the source, this stance has nothing to do with ethnic or religious bias, nor does Jonathan harbor any personal animosity toward Atiku or other northern politicians. Rather, it is rooted in what he considers a matter of principle.

 

“President Jonathan strongly believes in equity, fairness, and justice,” the source explained. “After eight uninterrupted years of northern presidency under Buhari, he feels the South should be allowed to complete its own eight-year cycle, ending in 2031. Supporting a northern candidate in 2027 could be interpreted as undermining that principle and betraying the expectations of southern Nigerians.”

 

The source added that Jonathan is acutely aware of how his actions would be perceived nationally and is unwilling to take steps that could further inflame regional tensions. Having experienced the political fallout of 2015 firsthand, he is said to be cautious and reflective in his approach to any future political engagement.

 

Importantly, Jonathan is not believed to be insisting on becoming the ADC’s candidate should he eventually join the party. Insiders say he is open to supporting any credible southern aspirant who emerges through a transparent process. Names already being mentioned include former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, among others.

 

“He doesn’t believe he must be the candidate,” the source emphasized. “Even though he is constitutionally eligible to run again in 2027, despite the ongoing misinterpretation of the law, his focus is on justice and balance, not personal ambition.”

 

Pressure Mounts on Atiku

 

Within the emerging opposition coalition, pressure is reportedly mounting on Atiku to reconsider his long-standing presidential ambition. Concerned stakeholders argue that his continued pursuit of the ADC ticket could weaken the party’s chances in 2027 rather than strengthen them.

 

Those urging caution point to Atiku’s age, he will be over 80 by the time of the next election, and the physical and mental demands of the presidency. Others warn that fielding a northern candidate in 2027 could disrupt the informal North–South power rotation that many believe has helped maintain relative political stability.

 

Despite the pressure, Atiku has shown no sign of backing down. His aides are quick to dismiss reports suggesting any shift in his plans, reinforcing the perception that the 2027 race has become a personal mission. Critics, however, fear that this insistence may deter other heavyweight figures from fully committing to the ADC project.

 

Losing Faith in the PDP

 

Many Nigerians had assumed that Jonathan, if he chose to re-enter partisan politics, would do so through his original party, the PDP. However, associates of the former president say confidence in the party has waned significantly.

 

According to them, years of internal crises and leadership disputes have weakened the PDP’s structures beyond repair. One senior party chieftain likened the situation to “a vehicle with all four tyres deflated,” warning that anyone relying on the PDP as a 2027 platform could be embarking on a “journey to nowhere.”

 

This growing disillusionment is one of the factors pushing Jonathan’s allies to explore alternative platforms like the ADC.

 

Rejecting Calls to Support Tinubu

 

Equally significant is Jonathan’s reported rejection of calls to support President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027. Some of these appeals have reportedly come from former associates and even kinsmen in the South-South.

 

According to a source close to the former president, backing Tinubu and the APC would amount to “self-indictment,” given the intense criticism and alleged harassment Jonathan faced after leaving office in 2015.

 

“The same people who called him clueless and labeled his administration the most corrupt in Nigeria’s history are now asking for his support,” the source said. “Supporting the APC would validate all those accusations and erase the reality of what he endured.”

 

The Turaki–Mohammed Connection

 

Recent political movements suggest that Jonathan is still consulting widely. His recent private meeting with a PDP faction led by former Special Duties Minister Tanimu Turaki has fueled speculation about ongoing strategic talks. Turaki claimed the discussions focused on reconciling the fractured PDP, but insiders say the consultations may go deeper.

 

Notably, Turaki and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed were among Jonathan’s closest allies during his presidency, raising further questions about the former president’s long-term plans.

 

As consultations continue behind closed doors, one thing is clear: Jonathan’s eventual decision—whether to formally join the ADC, back a southern consensus candidate, or remain above the fray—could significantly reshape the 2027 political landscape, with ripple effects across state and federal contests nationwide.