Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly preparing to contest in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, with strong backing from key members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). A close ally confirmed that Jonathan has accepted the proposal to run, aiming to address Nigeria’s rising poverty and hardship.
Key PDP leaders are advocating for Jonathan’s return, believing his previous administration stabilized the economy. The ally noted that Jonathan has been meeting with influential figures, including former military president General Ibrahim Babangida, to garner support for his candidacy.
The PDP is actively courting Jonathan to lead their campaign against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu. Many Nigerians have expressed regret over not re-electing Jonathan in the past, viewing his leadership as underappreciated. While Jonathan appears interested, he has outlined conditions regarding the party’s recognition of his leadership capacity and the nature of his candidacy, including whether he would participate in primaries or receive an automatic ticket.
Legal discussions surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility have emerged, particularly regarding a constitutional amendment that limits individuals who have served two terms from running again. However, some legal experts argue that the amendment does not apply retroactively to Jonathan’s previous terms. Overall, the PDP views Jonathan as a pivotal figure and is keen to leverage his experience in the 2027 elections, with expectations that his candidacy could significantly alter the political landscape.
