Taraba Residents Urge ADC Coalition To Field Jonathan For 2027 Presidency

Residents of Taraba State have urged the leadership of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition to adopt former President Goodluck Jonathan as their presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, arguing that he offers the best chance to defeat President Bola Tinubu.

In separate interviews with the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday in Jalingo, the residents said Jonathan remains a unifying figure with appeal across Nigeria’s geopolitical divides, especially in the North. They believe his candidacy would be strategically advantageous since he is constitutionally limited to only one term.

“The coalition will defeat Tinubu with ease if former President Goodluck Jonathan is given the ticket,” said one resident. “We appeal to party leaders to set aside personal ambition and focus on strategies that will lead to victory.”

They argued that northern political stakeholders are already focused on reclaiming the presidency in 2031. Backing a Southern candidate like Jonathan, they said, makes sense only if he’s seen as a transitional figure who won’t seek re-election.

According to Clement Yakubu Tyokyaa Tar, Haruna Buba, Sadiq Maigeri, and Sabastin Tsukwa — who spoke on behalf of the group — Jonathan’s leadership would also restore economic stability and public trust.

“Goodluck Jonathan is the only candidate the entire North can accept without fear,” they said. “His single-term limit is a key factor. Northerners will be reluctant to support any Southern candidate who may seek a second term.”

They added that while Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi may be credible options, persuading Northern voters to support them would be difficult given the 2031 power shift expectations.

The group’s call comes amid ongoing realignments within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, with ADC playing a central role in coalition talks.