With the 2027 presidential election drawing closer, former President Goodluck Jonathan is once again at the center of mounting political pressure, particularly from northern opposition groups urging him to enter the race against President Bola Tinubu.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president for five years, rose to power in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He completed Yar’Adua’s term before winning the 2011 presidential election, but was defeated in 2015 by Muhammadu Buhari under the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC).
Debates over his eligibility have trailed him ever since. In 2015, groups such as the Arewa Youths Forum opposed his candidacy, arguing that no president could be sworn in more than twice. The issue resurfaced in 2023 when questions arose about his constitutional right to contest. However, a Federal High Court in Yenagoa ruled in May 2022 that Jonathan was legally qualified to run, dismissing concerns over retroactive application of constitutional amendments.
Despite being linked to the APC in 2023—after a Fulani group reportedly purchased a ₦100 million nomination form on his behalf—Jonathan ultimately stayed out of the race. Now, with 2027 approaching, fresh calls from the North are intensifying, as many argue that his presidency would favor their region since, constitutionally, he could only serve one term.
So far, Jonathan has remained silent on the matter. Nonetheless, political insiders suggest he could emerge as a key challenger to Tinubu, possibly under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Media reports have even claimed he has privately accepted the idea, though no official confirmation has been given.
Reactions, however, remain divided. Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani advised Jonathan against contesting, warning that the PDP of today is not the same party that brought him to power in 2011. Similarly, activist-lawyer Dele Farotimi argued that some politicians were attempting to “rebrand” Jonathan despite Nigerians voting him out in 2015 over governance concerns.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also dismissed suggestions that Jonathan intends to run, insisting he has no interest in the 2027 race.
Within the PDP itself, opinions are split. National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described talk of Jonathan’s return as “speculative,” while Lagos PDP chieftain Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse was more critical.
Pearse noted that although Jonathan remains a member of the PDP, his long absence, lack of financial support, and weak ties to party structures make it unlikely he could secure enough delegates to win the primaries. He further warned that Jonathan’s candidacy could trigger fresh litigation over constitutional eligibility, a risk the PDP may not want to take.
Instead, Pearse pointed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a more viable option. With the presidency already zoned to the South, Pearse argued that Makinde, at 59 in 2027, represents the new generation of leadership the country needs.
“If Jonathan enters the race, I doubt he can muster the delegates to defeat Makinde,” Pearse said. “It is not in the PDP’s interest to field a candidate who could become embroiled in legal battles. What we need now is a younger leader who has already proven himself.”
For now, Jonathan’s silence leaves the political field open to speculation. But as 2027 approaches, the pressure from northern groups—and the debate over his potential return—shows no sign of fading.
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