Suspicion surrounding the 2027 presidential race has escalated following the sudden appearance of campaign posters for former President Goodluck Jonathan in the streets of Kano. These posters, which flooded strategic locations across the city, sparked widespread speculation regarding Jonathan’s potential return to the political scene. Messages such as “Team New Nigeria 2027; The Goodluck Nigeria Needs — Dr Goodluck Jonathan” appeared at prominent spots like the Gyadi-Gyadi/Zoo Road flyover, Kofar Nasarawa, and State Road.
The emergence of these posters is tied to the activities of Team New Nigeria (TNN), a splinter group that recently distanced itself from the All Progressives Congress (APC). TNN had previously announced its intention to form a new political party and claimed to have already mobilized more than 26 million registered voters across Nigeria. In their bid to rescue the nation from poverty, hunger, and insecurity, TNN has even developed party structures, including a manifesto, logo, constitution, and flag.
The APC, however, quickly distanced itself from the group and its activities, insisting that TNN was not composed of genuine members of the ruling party. In an exclusive interview, Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the APC, refuted any connection to TNN, highlighting that the group’s promotion of Jonathan’s campaign posters was a clear sign they were not affiliated with the APC. He reiterated that, despite previous attempts by supporters of Jonathan to secure an APC nomination for him during the 2023 elections, the former President was not a member of the party and had not been granted any official recognition.
Duru further stated that any group seeking to form a new initiative within the APC would be welcome, but emphasized that the ongoing activities of TNN—particularly their promotion of a non-member like Jonathan—was evidence that they were not part of the APC fold. His comments underscored the APC’s stance that TNN’s actions were separate from the party’s plans or goals.
TNN’s actions have further fueled rumors of Jonathan’s political comeback, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer. Speculation has been rampant regarding who will contest the presidency, with major figures like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and President Bola Tinubu expected to run. The development has intensified debates about Jonathan’s potential involvement, given his previous term in office and the political vacuum that some believe he could fill.
Efforts to contact Jonathan’s spokesperson, Okechukwu Eze, for a comment on the matter were unsuccessful, leaving many questions unanswered about the former President’s actual plans for the upcoming election cycle. Meanwhile, political analysts, including Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a foundation member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, have suggested that Jonathan could, in fact, seek a second term, given that he never completed his second mandate after losing to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Yakasai argued that, as a qualified Nigerian, Jonathan is entitled to contest once again, should he choose to do so. While the political scene heats up ahead of the 2027 elections, the actions of TNN, the appearance of Jonathan’s campaign posters, and the responses from political figures and parties alike indicate that the former President’s political future remains a topic of keen interest and intense speculation.
