By Prosper – September 28, 2025 | Naija Punch News
Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s comeback bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election appears to be facing a major setback after a tense closed-door meeting with Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Abuja last Thursday.
The high-level consultation, held at Mark’s private residence, revolved around Jonathan’s interest in returning to Aso Rock under the ADC platform. However, insiders confirmed that Jonathan failed to secure the assurances he desperately needed concerning the party’s presidential ticket
Mark Rejects Automatic Ticket Demand
According to reliable sources, Senator Mark made it clear that no aspirant, including Jonathan, would be handed an automatic ticket. Instead, he advised the former president to officially register with the ADC and submit himself to the party’s transparent primary election process.
“Jonathan expected at least some form of commitment, but Mark stood his ground on due process. Both men eventually agreed to meet again to review the situation at a later date,” a source revealed.
Political Heavyweights Eye ADC Platform
Jonathan is not the only political heavyweight currently flirting with ADC. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi are also reportedly engaged in quiet consultations with the party hierarchy.
However, none of the three has shown readiness to take the risk of fully defecting without clear assurances of the presidential ticket. Analysts warn that such a gamble could be politically suicidal if any of them contests the primaries and loses.
“The fear is real. Joining ADC without solid backing could leave them stranded politically, especially if they fail to secure the party ticket,” an insider explained.
Atiku’s Grip on ADC Complicates Equations
Party insiders disclosed that Atiku Abubakar currently controls 65–70 percent of ADC’s structure, making him the most influential aspirant in the fold. This dominance, they said, has made it extremely difficult for Jonathan or Obi to secure a smooth path to the nomination.
Some leaders reportedly suggested pairing Obi as a running mate to Atiku, but this has hit a wall. Obi has consistently argued that power must shift to the South in 2027 and pledged to serve only one term if elected.
In addition, Obi has insisted he would never contest a primary against Atiku, particularly in Adamawa, Atiku’s home state. This effectively rules out the possibility of both men running on the same platform unless Atiku voluntarily drops his ambition.
Jonathan as a Possible Compromise Candidate
Despite the internal struggles, some factions within ADC consider Jonathan a compromise candidate. His eligibility to serve only one term under the Nigerian constitution appeals to certain northern political blocs seeking quick succession.
But challenges remain. Jonathan’s traditional support base in the South-East is now firmly loyal to Obi, weakening his bargaining power. Additionally, Atiku’s overwhelming grip on the party machinery further complicates his chances of securing the ticket.
“He has two mountains to climb — convincing ADC to hand him the ticket and winning the North’s trust,” another party insider disclosed.
PDP Off the Table Amid Legal Woes
Jonathan’s renewed interest in ADC also signals an almost complete divorce from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he once led to victory. His camp reportedly believes that the PDP is now too toxic, with endless internal crises and multiple legal disputes weakening its electoral chances.
For now, ADC remains Jonathan’s only viable platform, but without guaranteed backing, his 2027 comeback project hangs in the balance.
What Next for 2027 Politics?
With just under two years to the election, the race for ADC’s presidential ticket is shaping into one of the most decisive battles in Nigeria’s political history.
Atiku Abubakar: commands the largest control of party structures but faces southern resistance.
Peter Obi: enjoys strong southern grassroots loyalty but lacks leverage against Atiku.
Goodluck Jonathan: seen as a compromise option but struggling to rebuild a support base.
Political watchers say the eventual outcome may not only determine ADC’s strength in 2027 but could also reshape Nigeria’s entire political landscape.
For now, the ADC remains the battleground for three titans, each unwilling to concede, and the question on every Nigerian’s lips is: Who will clinch the ticket and challenge for Aso Rock in 2027?
