Jonathan, Atiku Tight-Lipped After Crucial Abuja Meeting, as 2027 Speculations Grow

By Jeremy Fregene
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar held a highly secretive meeting in Abuja on Saturday, sparking intense speculation about a possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Multiple sources told KTH Daily that the discussion was strictly between the two men, with no aides, associates, or security handlers allowed into the room.

The visit, which Atiku later confirmed with carefully worded photos on his social media platforms, was described publicly as a “catch-up” following Jonathan’s return from his election observation duties in Guinea-Bissau. But insiders insist the real agenda was far more consequential. “This was not the usual courtesy call,” one source familiar with the meeting said. “It was just the two of them. No note-takers, no staff. It was meant to be private and therefore definitely political.”

The secrecy surrounding the encounter has amplified suspicion that the discussion centred on the fast-approaching 2027 presidential race. Jonathan, though yet to formally announce any ambition, is said to be under mounting pressure from powerful political blocs urging him to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Atiku, now freshly defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after dumping the PDP, has never concealed his desire to make yet another bid for the presidency and, barring any realignments, is widely expected to clinch the ADC ticket.

But key operatives from both camps are divided on how the 2027 contest should unfold. One tendency argues that with the presidency effectively zoned to the South, Atiku should shelve his ambition and back Jonathan, whom they believe stands a stronger chance of uniting southern interests with robust northern backing, against Tinubu. Another faction insists that Atiku, already advanced in age, should make what could be his final push for the top job on a fresh political platform, the ADC.

The meeting is believed to be an exploratory tête-à-tête on these delicate questions. “They don’t want to run against each other. That much is clear,” a senior political insider noted. “The issue is who steps down for whom, and on what terms.”

This is the second such meeting between the two heavyweights in recent months. Their first quiet engagement reportedly took place in Dubai, fuelling speculation that a broader negotiation is underway.

For now, both Jonathan and Atiku remain tight-lipped, offering no clues beyond evasive public remarks. But within Nigeria’s political circles, the consensus is growing: 2027 may hinge on whatever understanding, formal or informal, that these two men are quietly crafting behind closed doors.