Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly preparing to return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 general elections, with plans to contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A senior member of Jonathan’s political camp disclosed that the decision followed months of consultations and internal deliberations on the most viable political platform for his comeback bid. According to the source, the former president believes he can offer leadership capable of addressing the country’s worsening economic hardship and rising poverty.
The development has already sparked reactions across the political landscape, with supporters pushing aggressively to secure the PDP’s N100 million presidential nomination form for the former president before the submission deadline.
Among the groups reportedly mobilising support for Jonathan are the Coalition for Jonathan, Goodies Movement, The New Nigeria movement, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government, and several youth-based northern political organisations.
Sources close to the former president claimed that although Jonathan initially told supporters he would consult widely before taking a final position, he has now resolved to contest and is expected to formally join the race.
The PDP leadership also fuelled speculations after party spokesman, Ini Ememobong, confirmed that Jonathan had completed his online registration with the party earlier this year.
The move comes years after a northern support group obtained an APC presidential nomination form for Jonathan in 2022, an action he later distanced himself from.
In a fresh legal twist, Jonathan has reportedly approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge attempts seeking to stop him from contesting the presidency again on constitutional grounds.
Afenifere: Jonathan Must Have Weighed His Chances
Reacting to the development, leader of Afenifere, Oladipo Olaitan, said Jonathan’s return could alter the country’s political dynamics.
Olaitan noted that the former president must have carefully considered his chances before making the decision, though he questioned whether the PDP was stable enough to support such an ambition due to lingering internal disputes.
MBF Advises Jonathan to Stay Away From “Dirty Politics”
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) advised Jonathan against returning to active politics.
MBF National President, Bitrus Pogu, said the former president had built a respected image both locally and internationally and should avoid getting entangled in what he described as the current toxic political environment.
According to him, Jonathan’s reputation as a statesman could be damaged if he returns to partisan politics.
APGA Founder Warns Against Political Comeback
Founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chekwas Okorie, described Jonathan’s possible return as a “catastrophic misadventure.”
Okorie praised Jonathan for peacefully conceding defeat in the 2015 presidential election and said his democratic credentials and international reputation could suffer if he re-enters Nigeria’s political battlefield.
CAN Raises Concern Over Opposition Division
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed concerns that Jonathan’s return could further divide opposition forces ahead of 2027.
A senior CAN official warned that multiple strong candidates from different regions could split opposition votes, ultimately benefiting the ruling party.
The cleric argued that if Jonathan dominates the South-South, while Peter Obi controls the South-East and figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso divide the northern votes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could still maintain a strong electoral advantage.
SMBLF Reaffirms Southern Presidency Position
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) maintained that its position on retaining the presidency in the South in 2027 remains unchanged.
Spokesman Luka Binniyat said the group had not yet taken an official position on Jonathan’s reported ambition but insisted that power should remain in the southern region.
Osuntokun Questions Jonathan’s Chances
Former presidential adviser Akin Osuntokun expressed surprise at Jonathan’s reported decision to run.
Osuntokun stated that Jonathan may only be constitutionally eligible for one term if allowed to contest, while also questioning whether the PDP had fully resolved its internal legal battles.
He added that Jonathan’s entry into the race could weaken the chances of a possible alliance involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Wike-Aligned PDP Treasurer Warns Jonathan
National Treasurer of the Wike-aligned PDP faction, Diran Odeyemi, cautioned Jonathan against allowing himself to be used for political interests.
Odeyemi argued that Jonathan had not played an active role in the PDP since leaving office and warned that returning now could damage the statesman image he currently enjoys.
NEF Declares Neutral Position
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) distanced itself from all potential presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 election.
NEF spokesman, Jika Jiddere, said the group was not backing Jonathan, Atiku, Peter Obi, Tinubu, or any other aspirant, insisting that the forum remained non-partisan and focused only on protecting northern interests.
Jonathan Set to Rejoin 2027 Presidential Race Through PDP Amid Mixed Reactions
