Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly agreed to run for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 general election. This decision follows intense pressure from top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and influential political figures across the country who have urged him to make a comeback.
According to sources within the PDP, Jonathan has accepted the call and is already engaged in wide consultations, as party elders and major political stakeholders rally behind his potential candidacy. His decision is believed to be driven by increasing concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and security challenges. Supporters argue that Jonathan’s return could usher in stability and restore public confidence in governance.
Vanguard reports that the former president, who hails from Bayelsa State, has recently held private meetings with key northern political figures, including a notable visit to former military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) in Minna, Niger State. In the South-South region, Jonathan is also engaging prominent leaders as consultations continue ahead of a formal declaration.
Within the PDP, several governors, former governors, and national officers are said to be backing Jonathan’s return. Many believe his candidacy could serve as a unifying force for the party and position it as a formidable opponent to the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the 2027 election.
There are ongoing discussions within the PDP regarding offering Jonathan an automatic presidential ticket. However, sources close to the former president disclosed that he has asked for clarity on the nomination process and certain conditions before giving his full commitment. Additionally, a proposal for a one-term presidency is being considered as part of the political arrangement. Supporters believe that since Jonathan has already served one full term between 2011 and 2015, he is constitutionally eligible to contest for only one more term, after which power could rotate to the North in 2031.
Meanwhile, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, confirmed that Jonathan remains a valuable asset to the party and is widely respected among its ranks. Speaking in a recent interview, Woyengikuro emphasized that Jonathan is still seen as a national leader within the PDP and would be a welcome choice for the 2027 presidential ticket.
He further stated that while the party is open to granting Jonathan an automatic ticket, such a move depends on his willingness to fully return to the PDP fold and become actively involved in its affairs. “Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is one of the most respected leaders in the PDP, next only to former President Olusegun Obasanjo,” Woyengikuro noted.
The PDP leadership and several party loyalists believe that Jonathan's return would strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections and help restore hope among Nigerians seeking a turnaround in governance.
As consultations continue, Nigerians await an official announcement from the former president.
