Jonathan Returns to Politics, to Run for President in 2027
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
Nigeria’s former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly being courted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to run for the 2027 presidential election, with party leaders considering offering him an automatic ticket if he returns to active politics.
However, Jonathan himself has not made a firm decision yet about contesting, and his potential comeback is subject to internal party dynamics and his own willingness to re-engage politically.
Global Times Nigeria learnt that the PDP sees Jonathan as a strong candidate who could help the party regain influence, given his status as a former president and current national leader of the party.
Party officials have expressed readiness to grant him an automatic candidacy if he re-enters active politics and demonstrates commitment to the party.
Jonathan has been involved in consultations with the PDP leadership, but as of recent reports, he has not officially announced intentions to run and remains undecided.
There are mixed signals from Jonathan’s close circle and family about his political return, with some skepticism noted publicly.
His potential candidacy is also viewed strategically as a southern candidate who could appeal across regional divides and challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
Speculations about former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s return to politics are gaining traction, with reports confirming that he has agreed to run for the 2027 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.
A close ally reportedly told Vanguard that Jonathan has accepted the plan to contest and is motivated by the desire to address Nigeria’s worsening poverty and economic hardship since the All Progressives Congress (APC) took power in 2015.
Jonathan has reportedly met with key northern political leaders, including ex-President General Ibrahim Babangida, to seek support for his candidacy, and the PDP has been making moves to bring him back actively into politics.
PDP’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, has indicated that the party could offer Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest if he returns and takes on a more active role.
Woyengikuro called Jonathan the national leader of PDP and a top candidate for the 2027 election, emphasizing the need to salvage the party and the nation.
However, some PDP officials have commented that any formal announcement would follow due party processes, and there are contrasting reports about the official status of the candidacy. Despite this, the momentum around Jonathan’s political comeback is significant in media and political circles.
It was also revealed that the former president has been consulting influential political figures within and outside the PDP, particularly in the North, to secure support for his 2027 bid.
One of such meetings reportedly took place last weekend, when Jonathan visited former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State. During the meeting, Jonathan allegedly informed Babangida of his intention to run for a single term.
In a related development, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the party’s interest in bringing Jonathan back into the presidential race.
“Many Nigerians have come to realise the mistake they made in not re-electing Dr. Jonathan. They now acknowledge his achievements and are even apologising, pleading with him to return and rescue the country,” Abdullahi said.
If confirmed, Jonathan’s candidacy would mark a dramatic twist in Nigeria’s political landscape as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
