As the 2027 presidential election approaches, former President Goodluck Jonathan is facing increasing calls to run for office. Much of this pressure is coming from opposition groups in the North, urging him to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president for five years, initially becoming president unexpectedly after the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in May 2010. Yar’Adua had won the 2007 election and served until his passing in 2010.
After Yar’Adua’s death, Jonathan was sworn in as Nigeria’s 14th president on May 6, 2010. He later won the 2011 presidential election but lost in 2015 to the All Progressives Congress (APC) coalition.
In 2015, there was a heated discussion about whether a president could be sworn in three times. Some Northern youth groups, including the Arewa Youths Forum, opposed Jonathan’s potential third term, saying he had already served twice.
Similar debates resurfaced in 2023 about Jonathan’s eligibility to run again. However, a Federal High Court in Yenagoa ruled in May 2022 that he could legally contest the 2023 election, despite constitutional rules limiting vice presidents who succeed their principals.
The court decision came just before the PDP primaries, and Jonathan was even linked with the APC race, with reports that a group purchased a nomination form for him. Despite this, he did not contest in 2023. Some suggested former President Buhari may have influenced his decision by compensating him for stepping aside in 2015.
Now, as discussions for 2027 gain momentum, Jonathan is again under pressure to enter the race, mainly from Northern groups. According to the North-South “gentleman’s agreement,” if Jonathan runs, he would likely serve only one term.
Rumors suggest he may run under the PDP, with some media outlets claiming he has already agreed, though he has made no public announcement.
Some political figures have advised Jonathan against running. Former lawmaker Shehu Sani believes the PDP is no longer the same party that backed Jonathan in 2011.
Lawyer Dele Farotimi said attempts to rebrand Jonathan ignore why Nigerians voted him out in 2015. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also believes Jonathan has no interest in running.
The PDP has not officially commented. While party members say Jonathan is welcome to run, they note he has been inactive for years and has not supported the party financially or morally, making it difficult for him to gather delegates.
Lagos PDP chieftain Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse also pointed out that Jonathan’s candidacy could lead to legal challenges over his eligibility, which the party may want to avoid.
Pearse suggested that younger leaders like Oyo State Governor Makinde, who has a proven track record, could be better options for 2027.
At this point, Goodluck Jonathan’s decision for the 2027 election remains uncertain. Northern groups continue to push for his return, but political experts and PDP insiders remain cautious, considering legal risks and the party’s current dynamics.
