Goodluck Jonathan May Return In 2027 Presidential Race

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is considering a return to the political stage, with fresh talks suggesting he could contest the 2027 presidential election.

A trusted associate of the former leader revealed that the move is being supported by influential figures within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other political heavyweights who believe Jonathan is the right person to steer Nigeria out of its current challenges.

Jonathan, who hails from Bayelsa State, is reportedly being drafted to run on the PDP platform. According to sources close to him, the discussions have progressed significantly, and he has shown interest in returning to power. The motivation behind his potential comeback is rooted in the country’s worsening poverty, hardship, and insecurity. Supporters believe he could restore some measure of stability and economic growth, which they say defined his previous tenure.

The idea to bring Jonathan back has been driven largely by political elders and leaders from various parts of the country. They believe that his previous time in office brought calm to the political space and growth to the economy. With Nigeria currently facing growing hardship, the group began reaching out to him, hoping he could offer short-term leadership that might lead to a longer-term arrangement benefiting all regions.

Jonathan’s eligibility is also viewed by some as a bridge toward a future northern presidency. If he returns and wins, he would serve only one term, having already completed the term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua before winning in 2011. That timeline leaves a clear path for power to rotate again after 2027, which is a key point in the current power-sharing conversation.

The former president has already held private meetings with influential northern leaders. One such meeting took place recently with former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida in Minna. Though the outcome of that conversation remains private, insiders suggest the North is warming up to the idea. Jonathan has also been holding discussions with stakeholders in the South-South, a region that supported him heavily in the past and is likely to do so again.

Party officials have confirmed that the PDP is actively working behind the scenes to get Jonathan back into the fold. They said he remains a member of the party and still commands respect as one of its senior figures. Some believe an automatic ticket may be offered to him to avoid internal party fights and allow the PDP to focus on mounting a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Discussions between PDP leaders and Jonathan’s allies have already taken place abroad. One of the confirmed trips was to The Gambia, where party figures reportedly appealed to him directly. Meanwhile, consultations continue in Rivers State and other parts of the country, as his team gauges support and prepares the groundwork for what could be a dramatic political return.

Legal arguments about Jonathan’s eligibility continue to stir debate. A 2018 constitutional amendment prevents anyone who has been sworn in twice from contesting again. However, legal opinions are divided. Some argue that because the law was passed after Jonathan had already served, it should not apply to him. Court rulings have previously supported this view, saying the amendment cannot be applied retroactively. Others maintain that allowing him to run again would violate the spirit of the Constitution, which aims to limit total time in office to eight years.

Within the PDP, many see Jonathan as the most viable southern candidate. Party leaders have praised his experience and believe he still has strong grassroots support. The PDP’s financial secretary has even openly backed an automatic ticket for him, stating that the return of Jonathan could change the entire political outlook for 2027.

Former PDP deputy chairman Bode George also threw his weight behind the former president, saying Jonathan remains popular and capable. He dismissed legal concerns, pointing out that Jonathan only completed Yar’Adua’s tenure due to national emergency and not through election.

While Jonathan has not made a formal declaration, momentum is building around his potential bid. With ongoing consultations, political meetings, and high-level support gathering pace, the stage may soon be set for one of Nigeria’s most watched comebacks.