…source revealed that efforts to draft Jonathan back into the political scene had gained significant momentum.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times| A fresh wave of political activity is reportedly underway as former President Goodluck Jonathan is being tipped to re-enter the presidential race in 2027, potentially setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A close ally of the former president , who is also a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – has claimed that Jonathan has tentatively accepted to run and is already holding consultations across the country.
The unnamed source revealed that efforts to draft Jonathan back into the political scene had gained significant momentum, with “key Nigerian leaders and elders” behind the project. The source maintained that Jonathan’s decision was driven by a desire to rescue Nigeria from worsening poverty, economic hardship, and national instability.
“This project is being driven by respected Nigerians who believe Dr. Jonathan stabilised the country and its economy during his six years in office,” the source said.
The source added that the former president, known for his conciliatory style and pan-Nigerian appeal, would be contesting on the PDP platform, the same party under which he ruled Nigeria from 2010 to 2015.
According to the report, Jonathan has already held private meetings with top political figures, both within and outside the PDP, to gauge support for a potential comeback.
In what is seen as a significant political move, the former president is said to have visited former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, over the past weekend. While IBB’s response to the proposal was not disclosed, Jonathan’s ally noted that the “idea had already been properly sold to the North.”
The ex-president is also reportedly touring the South-South geopolitical zone, his home base, to consult with key stakeholders and political allies. He is said to have met behind closed doors with unnamed political figures in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Though the identities of those he met were not confirmed at press time, the source noted that the South-South remains firmly behind Jonathan and would likely be a dependable stronghold for him should he declare interest in 2027.
The report states that a coalition of PDP elders, concerned about Nigeria’s economic direction and governance under the current administration, has been “pleading” with Jonathan to return to rescue the nation. They reportedly believe that his tenure offered relative stability, economic progress, and a more inclusive national direction.
If confirmed, Jonathan’s candidacy could mark a dramatic return to the political frontlines, and raise questions about PDP’s strategy, zoning arrangement, and generational leadership.
Despite the mounting speculations,the former president has not yet publicly confirmed his intention to run for president in 2027. Political analysts say that his silence may be strategic as consultations continue.
If Goodluck does contest and secures the PDP ticket, it would set the stage for a rematch of political ideologies between the former president and the current one, in a race that could reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Notably, the source also mentioned that the ex-president had informed some of his northern allies, including IBB, that he would only seek one term if elected in 2027. This may be a strategic proposal to garner northern support, especially from power blocs seeking rotational leadership.
