Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan may be set for a major political comeback as close allies and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) confirm that plans are in motion for him to contest the 2027 presidential election against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A trusted PDP member and associate of Jonathan told Vanguard that discussions have reached an advanced stage, and Jonathan has agreed to run, with the goal of addressing Nigeria’s growing poverty, economic hardship, and suffering.
Why Jonathan Might Run Again
The source explained that respected Nigerian leaders and elders are behind the movement to bring Jonathan back. They believe he stabilized the economy and maintained peace during his six-year presidency (2010–2015).
“He’s seen as a unifying figure who can reposition Nigeria and revive the economy,” the source said.
Jonathan is expected to serve only one term if elected in 2027, because he already served one full term in the past. Many believe this makes him an ideal “bridge candidate”, allowing power to return to the North in 2031 without any serious political struggle from the South.
Consultations Across the Country
Jonathan has already met secretly with powerful leaders, including former military president General Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, Niger State. He is also holding key meetings in the South-South, especially Port Harcourt, to gather support.
Although the identities of everyone involved in the consultations are still unknown, PDP leaders say his support base in the region is strong and growing.
PDP Makes Serious Push for Jonathan
The PDP is actively pushing to make Jonathan their 2027 candidate. A top PDP spokesperson, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the party is responding to the public demand for Jonathan’s return.
“Nigerians are apologizing for not re-electing Jonathan in 2015. They now realize the value of his leadership,” Abdullahi told BBC Hausa.
He added that Jonathan remains a PDP member and the party is listening to the people.
Automatic Ticket?
Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP National Financial Secretary, said Jonathan is the party’s national leader and should be given an automatic ticket to run in 2027.
“For me, it’s a done deal. We need him to save the country. If he agrees, the entire political landscape will change,” he told Vanguard.
Woyengikuro also praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as another potential leader for the future.
Can Jonathan Legally Run Again? Lawyers Disagree
There’s debate about Jonathan’s eligibility due to a constitutional amendment passed in 2018. The new law states that:
“A person who was sworn in to complete the term of another president cannot be elected for more than one more term.”
Since Jonathan was first sworn in in 2010 to complete the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s term, and later elected in 2011, some say he has already served twice and cannot run again.
However, others argue that the 2018 law doesn’t apply to Jonathan because it came after he served.
In 2022, a Federal High Court in Bayelsa ruled that Jonathan could run, stating the law cannot apply retroactively. The court emphasized that Jonathan became President in 2010 by constitutional necessity, not by election.
What Senior Lawyers Are Saying
- Dayo Akinlaja (SAN): Jonathan is not affected by the new law and can contest.
- Elekwachi Nnabuihe: Since Jonathan was only elected once, he is still eligible.
- Johnmary Jideobi (Human Rights Lawyer): Warns that if Jonathan wins, he would exceed the 8-year limit, which could cause a constitutional crisis.
PDP Leaders Speak Out
Chief Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, said:
“Jonathan is eminently qualified. He’s still a PDP member and has a good track record. The issue of being sworn in twice doesn’t stop him.”
He explained that Jonathan’s first swearing-in in 2010 was not based on an election, but due to Yar’Adua’s death, and so the Doctrine of Necessity applied.
