Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is poised to be a frontrunner in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, challenging incumbent President Bola Tinubu, according to a close ally. This insider, who is also affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), revealed to Vanguard that significant groundwork has been laid to draft Jonathan as the party’s candidate, and he has expressed willingness to run. The motivation behind his potential candidacy centers on addressing Nigeria’s escalating poverty, economic hardships, and the general suffering that has afflicted the populace in recent years, VANGUARD news paper report
The ally highlighted that a coalition of influential Nigerian leaders and elders is spearheading this initiative, believing that Jonathan’s previous tenure helped stabilize the nation and its economy. The push for Jonathan’s return is seen as a strategic move to restore Nigeria’s economic standing and national pride, with key PDP figures actively engaging him to consider a run against Tinubu.
Supporters argue that allowing Jonathan to serve a single term of four years could pave the way for a return of power to the northern region in 2031, ensuring a stable political landscape for the next eight years without significant contention from southern politicians.
Consultations with Northern Leaders
The source disclosed that Jonathan has been quietly meeting with prominent leaders, both within the PDP and beyond, to garner support for his presidential aspirations. Recently, he held discussions with former military president General Ibrahim Babangida at his residence in Minna, Niger State, where he shared his intentions for the 2027 race. While specifics of Babangida’s response remain undisclosed, the ally expressed confidence that Jonathan’s message has resonated well in northern political circles.
Additionally, Jonathan is currently engaging with stakeholders in the South-South region, seeking their backing for his potential candidacy. Although details of his recent meetings in Port Harcourt remain under wraps, it is anticipated that his support base in the region will rally behind him.
PDP’s Efforts to Woo Jonathan
Reports indicate that the PDP is actively courting Jonathan to return to the party and lead its campaign against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu. Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed that this move reflects a growing sentiment among Nigerians who now recognize the value of Jonathan’s past administration.
“Many Nigerians have come to realize the mistake they made in not re-electing Dr. Jonathan. They now acknowledge his achievements and are even apologizing, pleading with him to return and rescue the country,” Abdullahi stated. He emphasized that since Jonathan remains a PDP member, it is only natural for the party to approach him.
Sources revealed that some influential PDP stakeholders recently traveled to The Gambia to meet with Jonathan, urging him to accept the party’s nomination if he chooses to run.
Conditions for Candidacy
According to Abdullahi, Jonathan has shown interest in the prospect of running but has begun to outline conditions, including clarity on whether he would participate in the primaries or receive the ticket outright. He is also seeking assurance that the party genuinely recognizes his leadership capabilities.
Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, lauded Jonathan as a central figure in the party’s strategy for the upcoming election. “Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from Obasanjo, the next person in line is him,” Woyengikuro asserted, indicating strong support for Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
He further stated that the PDP is actively engaging with Jonathan and his associates to encourage his return to a more prominent role in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for leadership that can address the country’s challenges.
Legal Controversies Surrounding Jonathan’s Eligibility
As discussions about Jonathan’s potential candidacy intensify, questions regarding his legal eligibility have emerged, particularly in light of the 2018 constitutional amendment that restricts individuals who have been sworn in twice from contesting presidential or gubernatorial elections. Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the Constitution explicitly state that anyone who has completed a term for another person may only be elected for a single term.
According to Vanguard , legal opinions are divided on whether these provisions apply to Jonathan, who completed the term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and served an additional term. Some legal experts argue that the constitutional amendment cannot be applied retroactively, allowing Jonathan the opportunity to run again.
In a 2022 ruling, a Federal High Court in Yenagoa affirmed that the constitutional amendment does not bar Jonathan from contesting future elections, clarifying that his previous swearing-in was in compliance with constitutional provisions and not due to an election victory.
Diverse Legal Opinions on Jonathan’s Candidacy
The discourse surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility has drawn varied opinions from legal experts. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dayo Akinlaja, maintains that Jonathan is not affected by the amendment, asserting that it cannot be applied retroactively to his situation. Akinlaja emphasized that Jonathan’s previous tenure should not impede his ability to contest again.
Conversely, human rights lawyer Johnmary Jideobi cautioned that a successful run for Jonathan in 2027 could lead to legal challenges regarding the maximum eight-year limit prescribed by the Constitution. He pointed to judicial precedents that emphasize the importance of adhering to constitutional tenure limits.
In contrast, former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, expressed strong support for Jonathan’s candidacy, highlighting his track record during his presidency and the public’s growing appreciation for his leadership. George argued that Jonathan’s unique circumstances, particularly his initial swearing-in under the Doctrine of Necessity, should not disqualify him from seeking office again.
