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By Myke Agunwa
Speculations on whether former President Goodluck Jonathan will join the 2027 presidential race gained momentum on Thursday night following his visit to the National Chairman of the the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark.
The closed-door meeting came just hours after the ADC held its First National Caucus Meeting in Abuja, where it was formally adopted as the coalition’s platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election.
Although the agenda of Jonathan’s visit was not disclosed, political observers believe it could be connected to mounting pressure on the former president to rejoin active politics. Some members of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been wooing him to contest on the coalition ticket.
From the 2027 political permutations, it is believed that many Northerners are more likely to back a presidential candidate who would only hold office for one term in 2027. Given that the constitution only allows him four more years if elected, former President Goodluck Jonathan is thought to fit this scenario. His ability to unite the alliance, ease political tensions, and pave the way for northern candidates to run again in 2031 without sustained dominance from another region makes him a desirable choice for power brokers looking for a compromise candidate.
Jonathan first became president following the death of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and later won election in 2011, was defeated in 2015 by the late President Muhammadu Buhari. If he decides to run in 2027 and is elected, he will be entitled to serve only one more term under 1999 constitutional as amended.
The meeting also rekindled memories of Jonathan’s cordial relationship with ADC Chairman David Mark, who served as Senate President during his tenure. Notably, it was under Mark’s leadership that the National Assembly invoked the Doctrine of Necessity, a historic resolution that enabled Jonathan to assume office as Acting President during Yar’Adua’s prolonged illness.
While details of their discussions remain under wraps, Thursday’s encounter is already fueling speculation that Jonathan may be positioning himself for a dramatic political comeback under the coalition’s new banner.
Pointblanknews.com had reported First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan had categorically dismissed speculations that her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, is plotting a return to the Aso Rock Villa in 2027. She was quoted as saying that Jonathan has moved on from the pressures of presidential politics and is more focused on his international assignments, peace-building efforts, and personal commitments.
Dame Patience further stated that she would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that “it is his turn” to govern. Her remarks were aimed at silencing mounting rumours of Jonathan’s comeback and reinforcing the family’s position that they are not seeking a return to power.