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2027: Jonathan Agrees to Contest Against Tinubu

By Badagry Today  Former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed in principle to contest the 2027 presidential election and is expected to ru...

By Badagry Today 

2027: Jonathan Agrees to Contest Against Tinubu

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed in principle to contest the 2027 presidential election and is expected to run against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a top ally of the Bayelsa-born politician.

The close associate, a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), told Vanguard that Jonathan has accepted the call to return to the political arena, largely to help rescue the country from deepening poverty and economic hardship.

“Dr. Jonathan has agreed to return, and his campaign is being powered by respected Nigerian leaders who believe he remains the best option to restore stability and growth,” the source said.

Already, high-level consultations have begun. Jonathan has met with former military president General Ibrahim Babangida and is currently touring the South-South region to secure critical support from political stakeholders.

In what appears to be a coordinated effort, PDP leaders, including governors and party elders, are actively backing the move. Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, said, “Nigerians are now pleading with Jonathan to come back. They realise they made a mistake by not re-electing him.”

According to him, the PDP sees Jonathan’s return as a powerful statement of renewed purpose. “Since he never left the party, and Nigerians are calling for him, we see no reason not to support his return.”

Jonathan's re-entry into politics may come with a major advantage: a possible automatic ticket. PDP National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, strongly endorsed the idea. “For me, you can quote me anywhere—I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now, is the best move. He’s the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro declared.

He emphasized that Jonathan’s candidacy could significantly shift Nigeria’s political terrain, saying, “If Goodluck finally accepts, you will see the entire dynamics change.”

However, the former president’s eligibility has sparked debate. Critics cite the 2018 constitutional amendment that bars individuals sworn in as president on two occasions from running again. Jonathan was first sworn in in 2010 following President Yar’Adua’s death, and again in 2011 after winning the general election.

But legal experts remain divided. A 2022 Federal High Court judgment held that the amendment cannot be applied retroactively and does not affect Jonathan’s eligibility. Prominent lawyers argue that since he was only elected once— in 2011—he remains qualified under the constitution.

Backing this position, PDP chieftain Chief Bode George said: “He is very qualified because he never left the PDP. He’s the easiest to sell—his track record speaks for itself, especially in terms of economic performance.”

As Jonathan’s team continues nationwide consultations, insiders suggest a formal declaration could happen before year-end. If confirmed, his candidacy will mark a dramatic comeback to frontline politics and reshape the 2027 race into a rematch of ideological visions for Nigeria’s future.

Read Also: 2027: Jonathan Gives Conditions to Contest Against Tinubu

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