The reported 2027 presidential ambitions of former President Goodluck Jonathan have exposed deep divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South‑South, with party leaders and pressure groups split between supporters and opponents of a Jonathan return to the national stage.
Aides to the ex‑president have told media organisations that Jonathan is consulting on a possible run. They also said he had been urged to contest by the PDP, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — claims The PUNCH could not immediately verify.
Support and caution in the South‑South
Several state PDP chapters in the South‑South voiced support for Jonathan, describing him as a unifying figure. The Edo State chapter said his return would be “a breath of fresh air.” Party publicity secretary Chris Nehikhare told The PUNCH that Jonathan “remains one of the most qualified leaders in our nation’s history” and that Edo PDP would rally behind him should he run.
Delta State leaders also pledged backing. Emmanuel Ogidi, chairman of the PDP South‑South Caretaker Committee, said the state would support any party member contesting on the PDP platform. Victor Ojei, a PDP member in Delta, likewise declared the state’s readiness to give “100 per cent support” if Jonathan contests.
Akwa Ibom’s PDP said it would wait for a formal declaration before taking a position. State chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan said the former president had not informed party officials of any decision.
Bayelsa, Jonathan’s home state, remained non‑committal. George Turnah, acting chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Bayelsa, said Governor Douye Diri, as the party leader in the state, was best placed to speak on the matter and described current discussions as “speculation.”
Factional split in Rivers
The reported ambition has intensified an existing split in Rivers State’s PDP between supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and those aligned with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Kenneth Yorwika, a Wike loyalist and state publicity secretary, urged restraint, saying Jonathan “has done his time” and has not been active in party affairs since 2015. By contrast, allies of Fubara see Jonathan’s possible entry as positive, citing his record in office. Former federal lawmaker Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, an ally of Fubara, insisted Jonathan has the right to contest and praised his tenure for stability and peaceful leadership.
Ijaw Youths, PANDEF weigh in
The Ijaw Youths Council said it would naturally back Jonathan if he runs but questioned whether renewed calls are genuine. IYC President Jonathan Lokpobiri said the group is proud of Jonathan’s global reputation but expressed doubt that he would run, warning of the complex and often “biased” politics that ousted him previously.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) reiterated calls for a Southern presidency in 2027 and said it would press for a candidate from the South, though it stopped short of endorsing any individual. PANDEF National Publicity Secretary Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini said the body would assess Southern aspirants closer to the election and choose based on regional interest and track records.
Legal questions remain
Jonathan’s reported interest has revived legal debate about eligibility. A 2018 constitutional amendment limits those who have been sworn in to complete another person’s term to one additional elected term, and some legal scholars say the change could disqualify former leaders who have served in that way.
Jonathan’s camp, however, points to a 2022 Federal High Court judgment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which — according to a previously unpublished ruling cited by his office — affirmed the ex‑president’s right to contest again. The PUNCH has not independently verified the full text of the judgment.
Endorsements and outreach
Political figures have urged Jonathan and other potential candidates to contest under the PDP banner. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, met Jonathan in Bayelsa as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s prospects for 2027. Former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido and former information minister Jerry Gana have publicly encouraged Jonathan and others to run on the PDP platform.
A call for calm
Amid the competing voices, many party officials urged patience until Jonathan makes a formal announcement. Bayelsa’s George Turnah said party officials must remain neutral until aspirants become “the property of the party.” Several state chapters echoed that stance, insisting internal consultations and a formal declaration should precede any official endorsement.
As speculation continues, the PDP in the South‑South faces the immediate task of balancing regional unity, legal considerations and competing loyalties ahead of what promises to be a closely contested 2027 election.
