Investigations by Patriotic Insights News have revealed that the firm resolve of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is slowing down ongoing efforts by key opposition figures to forge a broad-based political coalition ahead of the polls.

Findings indicate that several influential political actors across party lines and geopolitical zones are withholding firm commitments to the ADC, pending clarity on how the party intends to zone its presidential ticket.

Among those said to be exercising caution is former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is believed to be enjoying quiet but significant backing from influential figures within and around the ADC should he decide to align with the party.

Multiple sources familiar with the consultations told Patriotic Insights News that former Osun State Governor and Interim National Secretary of the ADC, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, is among prominent figures rooting for Jonathan’s possible entry into the party.

Party insiders said Aregbesola considers Jonathan a stabilising figure capable of uniting diverse political interests and strengthening the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.

Sources close to the former president confirmed that Jonathan has not taken any final decision on his political future but has remained engaged in discreet consultations with trusted political allies.

One source told Patriotic Insights News that Jonathan is not desperate to contest the presidency but would be reluctant to support a northern presidential candidate in 2027, regardless of party affiliation.

According to the source, Jonathan’s position is guided by considerations of equity, fairness and national balance, rather than ethnic or religious sentiment.

“He strongly believes that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure in the presidency, terminating in 2031,” the source said.

“He is concerned that supporting a northern candidate in 2027 could be interpreted as undermining that balance.”

The source added that Jonathan harbours no personal animosity towards Atiku or any other northern aspirant, stressing that his stance is anchored strictly on national cohesion.

Further investigations revealed that Jonathan, should he eventually align with the ADC, would not insist on emerging as the party’s presidential flagbearer, despite being constitutionally eligible to contest.

“He does not believe the presidency should be a do-or-die affair,” the source said.

“He is willing to support any credible southern candidate the party may settle for, in the interest of justice and fairness.”

Pressure Builds on Atiku

Patriotic Insights News also gathered that pressure is mounting on Atiku from influential stakeholders within the emerging opposition coalition to reconsider his presidential ambition in the overall interest of the ADC.

Some of those involved in the consultations reportedly argue that Atiku’s age and the physical demands of the presidency could weaken the party’s competitiveness in 2027.

Atiku, born in November 1946, will be over 80 years old by the time of the election.

Beyond age considerations, some coalition members are also concerned that presenting a northern candidate in 2027 could disrupt the informal North–South power rotation, which many believe has contributed to relative political stability.

Despite the pressure, Atiku has remained resolute, with aides repeatedly dismissing reports suggesting a possible withdrawal from the race.

Other figures said to be eyeing the ADC presidential ticket include Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, with indications that more aspirants may still emerge.

Jonathan Distances Self from PDP

Investigations further revealed that Jonathan and his associates have largely lost confidence in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a viable platform for the 2027 elections.

A senior party figure described the PDP as “structurally weakened,” adding that years of internal crises have severely diminished its electoral strength.

Tinubu Endorsement Ruled Out

Sources close to the former president also ruled out the possibility of Jonathan supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

They cited the political hostility and sustained public vilification Jonathan faced after leaving office in 2015 as a major factor.

“Any endorsement of the APC would amount to validating years of political persecution,” one source said.

Consultations Ongoing

Patriotic Insights News confirmed that Jonathan has continued consultations with long-standing political associates, particularly within the PDP and the broader opposition space.

His recent meeting with a PDP faction led by former Special Duties Minister Tanimu Turaki (SAN) was officially described as part of reconciliation efforts, but insiders said it also formed part of broader strategic discussions.

Political observers say Jonathan’s eventual decision—whether to contest, support another candidate, or remain on the sidelines—could significantly reshape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential election.