Jonathan’s Alleged 2027 Presidential Bid Triggers Nationwide Political Reactions
Rita Onuoha
Fresh political debates have emerged across the country following reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan may be preparing to return to active presidential politics ahead of the 2027 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to sources close to the former president, the decision to reportedly pursue the presidency through the PDP followed extensive consultations and strategic assessments on the political platform considered most viable for a possible return to power amid worsening economic hardship and rising poverty across the country.
The development has since generated mixed reactions from political stakeholders, socio-cultural groups, and civil society leaders, with opinions sharply divided over the implications of Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race.
Several groups and political organisations are said to be mobilising support for the former president, including diaspora-based movements, northern youth coalitions, and pro-Jonathan advocacy groups reportedly interested in purchasing the PDP presidential nomination form on his behalf.
Sources within the PDP disclosed that multiple support groups have expressed readiness to raise the ₦100 million required for the party’s presidential nomination form before the submission deadline.
Among the groups reportedly backing Jonathan’s possible ambition are the Coalition for Jonathan, Goodies Movement, The New Nigeria Movement, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government, and several youth-based organisations across the North.
Although the former president has not publicly declared his intention to contest, political observers believe recent developments, including legal moves surrounding his eligibility, indicate growing seriousness about a potential bid.
Jonathan is currently challenging a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop him from contesting the presidency again because he had already completed two terms in office.
Reacting to the reports, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said Jonathan’s possible entry into the race could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, stated that the former president must have carefully assessed the political environment before considering another presidential contest.
Similarly, the Middle Belt Forum advised Jonathan to avoid returning to partisan politics, warning that the current political climate could damage the statesmanlike reputation he earned after leaving office in 2015.
National President of the forum, Bitrus Pogu, described the present political atmosphere as unstable and cautioned the former president against what he termed unnecessary political risks.
Founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chekwas Okorie, also warned that a return to active politics could undermine Jonathan’s global democratic credentials and post-presidency image.
On its part, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, expressed concerns that Jonathan’s possible return could further divide opposition forces and complicate efforts to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
A senior CAN official who spoke anonymously argued that the emergence of multiple opposition candidates from different regions could split opposition votes in a manner that may ultimately favour the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, reiterated its support for the presidency to remain in Southern Nigeria in 2027, maintaining that its position on zoning had not changed.
Political analyst and former adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Osuntokun, said Jonathan had historically enjoyed strategic support from parts of the North but noted that questions surrounding his constitutional eligibility remained unresolved.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, analysts believe Jonathan’s reported interest in the race may further reshape opposition alignments and alter existing calculations within Nigeria’s political landscape.
