Jonathan 2027 Ambition Divides South South PDP

The reported plan of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election has unsettled the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-South, creating sharp divisions among its stakeholders.

Some members of the party argue that Jonathan should not run against President Bola Tinubu, while others, including pressure groups, are pushing for his return to the ballot. The former president’s aides have confirmed that he is consulting widely before making a final decision. Reports suggest he has received calls from the PDP, the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the African Democratic Congress to contest, though this remains unverified.

In Bayelsa, Jonathan’s home state, the PDP is waiting for Governor Douye Diri to take a position, as the party has split into rival camps aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara in neighbouring Rivers State. While Wike’s loyalists dismiss Jonathan’s potential candidacy, Fubara’s camp welcomes it as a worthy move.

In Edo, the PDP has openly endorsed Jonathan’s possible comeback, describing him as a leader capable of bringing new energy into the political space. Party leaders in Delta have also pledged their support, while the Akwa Ibom chapter says it will not take a stand until Jonathan formally declares his ambition. The Ijaw Youths Council has voiced cautious support, though it expressed concerns about the political intrigues that once cost him the presidency.

Jonathan’s prospects have also drawn national attention. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, recently met with him in Bayelsa to discuss his potential return. Influential figures such as former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido and ex-minister Jerry Gana have also urged him to contest under the PDP.

His eligibility, however, remains a subject of debate. A 2018 constitutional amendment bars anyone who has been sworn in twice as president or governor from seeking another term. But Jonathan’s team cites a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Yenagoa, which affirmed his right to run, noting that he only served one elected term after completing the remainder of late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure.

Across the South-South, reactions remain mixed. While Delta PDP leaders vow full backing if he runs, some Rivers PDP members argue that Jonathan has been inactive in party affairs since 2015 and that Tinubu deserves a second term. Others insist Jonathan’s record of peaceful leadership and stability makes him a credible choice at a time when the country seeks unity.

Regional groups have also entered the debate. The Pan Niger Delta Forum insists the presidency must remain in the South in 2027, arguing that zoning demands fairness after Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in power. However, PANDEF has withheld endorsement of any individual candidate until INEC releases the official election timetable.

As consultations continue, Jonathan’s silence keeps both supporters and critics guessing. His eventual decision is expected to reshape political alignments in the South-South and possibly alter the balance of power in the PDP ahead of the 2027 race.