Former President Goodluck Jonathan is facing growing pressure from the northern opposition to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.
Jonathan, who first became president in 2010 following Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s death, went on to win the 2011 election but lost his 2015 re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari under the APC coalition. Since then, debates about his eligibility have resurfaced, particularly over whether he could legally serve again after being sworn in twice.
A 2022 ruling by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa cleared Jonathan to run, stating that no retroactive law could bar his candidacy. Despite this, he did not join the 2023 race, even though speculation linked him to both the PDP and APC at the time.
Now, as 2027 politics heats up, Jonathan’s silence has fueled speculation. Reports suggest he may be preparing to run on the PDP platform, which has zoned its presidential ticket to the South. Proponents argue that his candidacy could favor the North, since the constitution would limit him to only one term.
Reactions remain divided. Former lawmaker Shehu Sani warned Jonathan not to contest, saying the PDP is no longer the party it was when he won in 2011. Lawyer Dele Farotimi said efforts to rebrand Jonathan ignore why Nigerians voted him out in 2015. Rights activist Deji Adeyanju insisted Jonathan has no interest in running.
Within the PDP, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described the matter as speculative. Lagos PDP chieftain Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse acknowledged Jonathan as a full member but doubted his chances, citing his long absence from party activities, lack of funding, and the risk of litigation over eligibility.
Pearse argued that younger leaders like Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stand a better chance, saying Jonathan’s candidacy could create more problems than solutions for the PDP.
For now, Jonathan remains silent, leaving the question of his 2027 ambition unanswered.
