2027: Jonathan Set to Re-Enter Presidential Race – Insider Reveals

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is reportedly preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election, with indications that he may emerge as a major challenger to President Bola Tinubu. A trusted ally within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) confirmed on Wednesday that discussions to draft Jonathan into the race are well advanced — and that he has agreed to run.

According to the ally, Jonathan’s return bid is driven by the need to tackle worsening poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria. The source revealed that a coalition of respected national leaders and elder statesmen are behind the push, convinced that Jonathan’s previous administration had stabilised the country and maintained economic balance.

Efforts to persuade the former president to re-enter the political fray reportedly began months ago, with senior PDP figures arguing that a single four-year term from Jonathan could serve as a transition period — one that could pave the way for the presidency to return to the North by 2031 without regional tensions.

As Jonathan has already completed one term in office, the Constitution permits him only one more four-year term, similar to President Tinubu if re-elected.

The PDP insider disclosed that Jonathan had quietly initiated high-level consultations, both within and beyond party lines, meeting with influential figures, including former military president General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), at his Minna residence. While the outcome of that meeting wasn’t revealed, the source expressed confidence that the North was warming up to the idea.

Jonathan is also said to be holding strategic meetings across the South-South to secure the backing of key regional stakeholders. Although details of his engagements in Port Harcourt remain unclear, sources believe he retains strong grassroots support in the region.

Meanwhile, the PDP is actively courting Jonathan to fly its flag in 2027. Reports monitored by BBC Hausa suggest that some PDP governors and senior party members are leading the effort to bring him back as the party’s unifying candidate against the APC and President Tinubu.

Speaking to reporters, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed growing calls for Jonathan’s return. “Many Nigerians now acknowledge that Dr. Jonathan’s administration was underappreciated. They’ve seen the difference and are pleading for his return,” Abdullahi said.

He noted that as a committed PDP member, the party had every reason to reach out to him. “Dr. Jonathan remains a compassionate leader. We’re simply responding to the people’s wishes,” he added.

It was also revealed that some PDP leaders recently travelled to The Gambia, where Jonathan resides part-time, to further persuade him to accept the party’s ticket.

According to Abdullahi, Jonathan has begun setting terms for his possible return, including discussions about whether he would go through the primaries or be offered the presidential ticket directly. He has reportedly started consulting with his close circle on the matter.

PDP’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, described Jonathan as the de facto national leader of the party. “After Obasanjo, he is next in line. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” he said.

Woyengikuro strongly endorsed an automatic ticket for Jonathan, arguing that his return would dramatically reshape the 2027 political landscape. “If he accepts, it will change everything — the whole dynamics of the 2027 election,” he stressed.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as a rising southern leader with national appeal, noting that both Jonathan and Makinde are central to the PDP’s southern presidency strategy.

“In terms of competence and unity, these are the two figures I stand with. Nigeria is at a critical juncture, and it’s time for strong leadership that can bridge generations and regions,” Woyengikuro concluded.