EXPOSED: Jonathan Lobby David Mark for ADC Ticket In Secret Meeting; Atiku Breaks Silence Over Ambition

On Thursday, a significant closed-door meeting occurred in Abuja between former President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to The Nation, the discussion centered on Jonathan’s strong ambition to reclaim the presidency in 2027. Click link to continue reading.

But the former president’s desire to secure the ticket of the coalition party may have experienced a hitch as Senator 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 pitting 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 Atiku’s 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 tenacious 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 political 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 what became of the meeting, 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.”