Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly considering a dramatic return to Nigeria’s presidential race in 2027, amid rising calls from key political stakeholders and senior members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urging him to run against incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
According to Vanguard report, multiple sources within the PDP confirmed that the Bayelsa-born politician has shown interest in accepting the party’s ticket to contest the forthcoming election, positioning himself as a unifying figure to rescue the nation from worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and political uncertainty.
A close ally of Jonathan, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Vanguard that the former President has begun behind-the-scenes consultations with influential figures across the country.
Jonathan is said to have met with former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), in Minna, Niger State, to discuss his potential return to Aso Rock.
The source also confirmed that consultations are ongoing with prominent stakeholders in the South-South and across northern Nigeria.
“He has not ruled it out. The pressure on him is serious. He believes Nigeria needs urgent redirection,” the source revealed.
Amid the growing campaign, the PDP appears to be considering granting Jonathan an automatic ticket—an unprecedented move aimed at fast-tracking his return.
The party’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, declared publicly that Jonathan remains the party’s most formidable candidate.
“He is not just a former President; he is the national leader of our party. If he accepts, the entire 2027 political dynamics will change,” Woyengikuro said.
Echoing the sentiment, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said Nigerians have come to appreciate Jonathan’s past leadership.
“Many now admit it was a mistake not to re-elect him. People are apologising and pleading for his return,” he added.
Abdullahi disclosed that Jonathan is demanding clarity on whether he would go through primaries or be offered a consensus ticket, as well as assurances of genuine party support.
While political momentum builds, legal experts remain divided on Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility.
A 2018 constitutional amendment bars individuals sworn in twice as president from seeking re-election.
Jonathan completed the term of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 and was later elected in 2011.
However, a Federal High Court in Yenagoa in 2022 ruled that the amendment could not be applied retroactively and thus does not affect Jonathan.
The court held that the former President’s initial swearing-in was not a result of a personal election victory, but rather through the constitutional “Doctrine of Necessity.”
Senior lawyers such as SAN Dayo Akinlaja and Elekwachi Nnabuihe back Jonathan’s eligibility, citing that laws cannot operate retroactively unless clearly stated.
But human rights lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, cautioned that another Jonathan term would mean exceeding the constitutional eight-year limit for any president.
He cited the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling in Marwa v. Nyako to warn of a potential legal crisis.
Political observers suggest that a one-term presidency for Jonathan could serve as a strategic compromise between the North and South, smoothing the path for northern presidency in 2031.
Sources say the move to draft Jonathan is being championed by influential political elders who view him as a stabilising force with a track record of economic reform and democratic tolerance.
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, described Jonathan as the party’s “easiest sell” for 2027.
“He never left the PDP and has the experience and economic credentials that Nigerians now long for,” George said.
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