Jonathan Poised for 2027 Comeback — PDP Insider Reveals

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election, a trusted ally has confirmed, marking a potentially dramatic political comeback. The ally, a senior figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that plans for Jonathan’s return are well advanced, and the former leader has accepted to re-enter the political fray under the PDP banner. The move is said to be driven by a coalition of influential national figures who believe Jonathan’s previous administration offered stability and economic direction that are currently lacking.

According to sources familiar with ongoing consultations, Jonathan’s decision to consider a return stems from mounting pressure by prominent Nigerian elders and leaders seeking to address the nation’s worsening poverty and economic hardship. The rationale behind the move also includes a strategic power-sharing arrangement that could see the presidency return to the North by 2031 after a single term by Jonathan, who is only eligible to serve one more term due to his previous tenure.

The former president has reportedly begun behind-the-scenes meetings with high-profile figures, including a recent visit to former military president General Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, Niger State. Discussions are also ongoing with key stakeholders in the South-South region as Jonathan consults widely on his potential run. In Rivers State, the specifics of meetings remain undisclosed, but sources suggest he retains a strong support base in the region.

Within the PDP, efforts to court Jonathan have intensified, with senior party figures and governors backing the push for his return. Speaking with BBC Hausa, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi confirmed that the party is responding to widespread public sentiment, which now sees Jonathan’s past leadership in a more favorable light. He added that many Nigerians have been urging Jonathan to return, apologizing for not re-electing him in 2015.

Abdullahi noted that while Jonathan has shown interest, he is also laying down conditions, particularly regarding whether he will participate in primaries or be granted the presidential ticket outright. He is said to be weighing these factors carefully with input from his close advisors.

Daniel Woyengikuro, PDP’s National Financial Secretary, in an interview in Abuja, described Jonathan as the party’s national leader and most suitable candidate from the South. He emphasized that the PDP is actively engaging Jonathan and his camp to ensure his return. Woyengikuro called for an automatic ticket for Jonathan, insisting that his candidacy would significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027.

In addition to Jonathan, Woyengikuro highlighted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as another potential leader capable of bridging generational divides, particularly within the context of a Southern presidency.

As momentum builds, the question of Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility has stirred debate among legal experts. The controversy revolves around a 2018 constitutional amendment — the Fourth Alteration Act — which prohibits anyone who has been sworn in as president more than once from seeking re-election. Jonathan was sworn in twice: first in 2010 to complete the term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, and again in 2011 after winning the presidential election.

Supporters argue that since the amendment came into effect in 2018 — three years after Jonathan left office — it cannot be applied retroactively. This view was upheld in a 2022 ruling by the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, which declared that Jonathan’s prior tenures do not disqualify him from running again.

Legal opinions remain divided. Senior lawyers such as Dayo Akinlaja and Elekwachi Nnabuihe maintain that Jonathan is constitutionally eligible, as he has only been elected once and the 2018 amendment cannot apply retroactively. Conversely, others like human rights lawyer Johnmary Jideobi argue that any third term, regardless of the circumstances, would violate the Constitution’s limit of eight years in office.

Nonetheless, influential voices within the PDP, including former Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George, maintain that Jonathan is fully qualified to run. George emphasized Jonathan’s performance during his presidency and described him as an “easiest-to-sell” candidate with a solid track record, especially in economic management.

As 2027 approaches, Jonathan’s potential return is shaping up to be a pivotal development in Nigerian politics, with the PDP positioning him as a unifying figure capable of challenging the incumbent administration and leading the country through turbulent times.