The closed door meeting between former President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, in Abuja on Thursday was all about Jonathan’s ambition to return to office as president in 2027, The Nation investigation has revealed.

But the former president’s desire to secure the ticket of the coalition party may have experienced a hitch as Mark pointedly told him that the only way his dream of picking the party’s ticket could materialise was to formally join it and also take part in a fair and transparent presidential primary.

With Jonathan failing to get a commitment from the party’s national chairman, the two statesmen agreed to “meet soon to review the matter.”

The Nation investigation revealed that not only Jonathan but also former vice president Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi all want a definite commitment from the party on their presidential aspiration, but the new party leadership is not forthcoming.

The development Is said to have accounted for their delay in pitching their tents with the ADC.

The Nation findings revealed that any commitment the three presidential aspirants make to ADC could be “fatal” for their ambition if they fail to get the party’s ticket.

They fear that committing themselves to the party without securing its presidential ticket could leave them “stranded or stuck politically”.

Jonathan’s audience with Mark, a source said, could be an indication that the former president is “not keen on running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because the main opposition party has become too toxic”.

Insiders in ADC said the coalition is shaky because some leaders of the party are actually not ready for change in 2027.

One of them said about 65 to 70 per cent of ADC is in the firm control of Atiku, adding that what they are offering Obi is to be running mate. “No leader in the party is bold enough to ask Atiku to concede the presidential slot to Obi or Jonathan,” the source said.

It noted that Obi has been consistent in telling ADC leaders that power must remain in the South for eight years for the sake of equity, which is why he pledged to do one term if elected president.

The source added: “The supporters of Obi and Jonathan are insistent that presidency must remain in the South in 2027. We don’t know which doctrine Mark will come up with.

“As part of an unwritten deal, Obi has assured repeatedly that he won’t contest presidential primary election with Atiku or any election against Atiku in Adamawa State.

“He also said he will be on the presidential election ballot in 2027. It means technically, they cannot be in the same party except Atiku sacrifices his ambition.

“Obi has also said if he was Atiku’s vice presidential candidate in 2019, there is nothing bad if Atiku is magnanimous to allow him one term in 2027.”

The source noted, however, that Obi has a major problem with his supporters who have asked him not to be deputy to any presidential aspirant. Hence he finds it difficult to go back to them to say he has changed his mind as doing so will be politically suicidal.

Jonathan, the source said, fits the bill as a compromise candidate, but his strong base used to be the South-East which is now the political fortress of Obi.

He said some Northern leaders want Jonathan to spend one term in the office (the only constitutional limit left for him), but there are two hurdles before him, namely getting the ticket a la carte (on a platter of gold) and securing the overwhelming backing of the North.

“With Atiku’s control of ADC, it will be difficult for Jonathan to get ADC mandate.

“Atiku has not formally joined ADC because he was said to be doing his homework. He does not want to be betrayed like the case in PDP.

“He has invested a lot in ADC and presidential aspirants like ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi can turn the table.”

Another source said: “It is not a bed of roses in ADC. The coalition is shaky.”

Situation in Jonathan’s camp

A highly-placed source, who was privy to what transpired between Mark and Jonathan, said the ADC National Chairman ruled out automatic ticket for any aspirant.

Mark’s response was said to be “not too convincing” for Jonathan and his strategists.

The source said: “His host was pleased to welcome him to his residence. He told him to join ADC if he wants to contest.

“It was clear at the meeting that PDP is not a likely option because of the plethora of cases and infighting.

“So far, the only option for Jonathan is to join ADC.

“Mark was, however, quick to tell him that there will be fair and transparent primary election.”

Asked of the meeting’s outcome, the source added: “They would meet in due course to review the matter.

“I think the outcome of the ongoing consultations by Jonathan will determine whether he will contest or not.”

Atiku to declare for ADC soon

Responding to a formal enquiry from our correspondent, ex-VP Atiku Abubakar said he would not put the cart before the horse.

He said it was taken for granted that he would join the ADC.

He said he was preoccupied with building the party before joining in Jada Ward, Adamawa State.

The spokesman for Atiku, Mr. Paul Ibe, made the position of the VP known to our correspondent in Abuja.

He said: “Atiku Abubakar is a committed and active member of the coalition ADC.

“Alongside other leaders, he has been vigorously working to plant structures and build a formidable platform that can liberate Nigerians from the urban bandits presently holding the country hostage.

“The process is well underway and will culminate in him formally collecting his ADC membership card at his ward in Jada, Adamawa State.

“Meanwhile, his focus remains on consolidating the party’s strength across the state.”

On directive to party leaders and members to leave their paties, Ibe said: “Atiku fully supports the directive without reservation.”

The ex-VP said he was not afraid of presidential primary election with other contestants.

He added: “What matters to Atiku and other coalition leaders is building a strong and credible platform to serve Nigerians. They are not putting the cart before the horse.

“His commitment is to safeguarding our democracy, which is under siege under Tinubu’s government.

“Once this disastrous administration is gone, the salvation of the economy will take centre stage.

“The former Vice President has said he will run and encourages others to join the contest.

“But he is not putting the cart before the horse.

“The distraction about who is running and who is not is a ploy of the Tinubu-led APC to divide the opposition.

“We shall not be deceived, and we shall not fall for their tricks.”

Obi weighing options, consolidating political leverage

More than any leader in ADC, Obi is consolidating his grip on the South-East and reaching out to other ethnic groups.

He is also ahead of others in the social media for mobilisation for 2027 which may or may not translate to huge votes for him.

While he is still first rated among the Igbo, the low voters’ registration in his political enclave was a cause for worry.

Investigation revealed that most ADC leaders see Obi as an asset for representing a bloc in the country, but they are trying to persuade him to accept the VP slot.

A source said: “We believe he has the moral pedigree to lead Nigeria now than other aspirants in ADC.

“His greatest headache in ADC is the offer of VP, which his supporters are opposed to.

“When you look at the political matrix, he cannot go it alone as a presidential candidate.

“Again, the party platform is not there except ADC, which he is cautious about.

A WhatsApp message sent to Obi’s spokesperson Valentine Obienyem at 9.29am on Saturday was yet to be responded to at 6pm. (The Nation)