Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, paid a visit to the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, at his Abuja residence, further fueling speculation about his rumoured ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Although details of the meeting were not made public, sources told FIRST DAILY that the visit was part of broader consultations by Jonathan as he weighs a possible return to the presidential race.
The closed door meeting came only hours after the ADC held its first National Caucus meeting in Abuja, where the party adopted itself as the coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On hand to receive him were, Mark himself, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachair Lawal, and the spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi.
In recent weeks, the former president has been making quiet but strategic visits and meetings with key political figures across the country including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.
Analysts believe the consultations may not be unconnected to his ambition, especially as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the polls.
Some political commentators say if Jonathan eventually declares, he will have to confront several hurdles, one of which is his eligibility.
Legal debates have continued to trail whether the 2018 constitutional amendment, which bars any president from being sworn in more than twice, affects his case, given that he already served one full term (2011–2015) after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
But his political associates and some legal experts say the coast is clear for him if he decides to contest the presidential election.
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Another obstacle facing Jonathan is the platform on which he might contest.
His party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains deeply divided, battling leadership tussles and internal wrangling that may weaken its capacity to present a united front.
On the other hand, the ADC, which recently positioned itself as a coalition platform, could provide Jonathan with a fresh and less toxic base, though questions linger about the party’s national structure and capacity to deliver electoral victory.
Despite the hurdles, Jonathan retains considerable goodwill across sections of the country, particularly in the Niger Delta and parts of the South-South, where his legacy projects and personal appeal remain strong.
He is also regarded in some quarters as a unifying figure who could provide a softer landing in Nigeria’s increasingly fractious political climate.
The former president was accompanied on the visit by a former lawmaker in the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, his cousin, Robert Azibola, and some of his close aides.