By Muhammad Mamman
Fresh details have emerged that allies of former President Goodluck Jonathan are lobbying opposition leaders, including ex-Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in Jonathan’s favour.
According to sources, the move is part of a broader strategy to forge a united opposition strong enough to challenge President Bola Tinubu, who already enjoys the backing of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for a second term.
Pressure is said to be mounting within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly from northern leaders, urging Jonathan to return to active politics.
Before Jonathan’s loyalists began outreach efforts, several PDP stalwarts had reportedly sought to persuade Obi to rejoin the party after he defected in 2022 to contest under the Labour Party. Obi has since thrown his weight behind the ongoing opposition coalition being coordinated under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The coalition brings together political heavyweights including former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai.
Although some reports suggest Jonathan may have privately met Obi to request his withdrawal, sources close to the Labour Party flagbearer denied such claims.
“It is true that Jonathan’s people want Obi to step down for him, but Jonathan himself has not met Obi. I can assure you that Obi remains committed to his mission of rescuing Nigeria,” a close associate of the former Anambra governor told journalists.
Jonathan’s backers argue that he represents the South’s strongest prospect against Tinubu, noting that he would constitutionally be eligible for only one four-year term — a factor they believe could reinforce the North-South power rotation principle.
