For Ex-Pres. JONATHAN To Run As President
Will He Accept?
There have been several calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in the 2027 presidential election. These calls have become louder and more persistent in recent weeks, as prominent opposition politicians have come forward to support Jonathan in his potential challenge against the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Although there have been past rumors about Jonathan’s possible return to the political arena, he had previously rebuffed such speculation. However, for the past two to three months, Jonathan has been trending as a potential candidate, and he has not denied the rumors during any public appearances. Instead, he has been meeting with key political figures across Nigeria and engaging in strategic consultations.
One candidate he has met with multiple times is former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. In fact, they have convened about three times to discuss political matters and the upcoming 2027 presidential election. It is important to note that Jonathan is from the South-South region, specifically Bayelsa State, while Obi hails from the South-East region, specifically Anambra State.
The speculation surrounding Jonathan intensified when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced that the presidential candidate would be zoned to the South. Consequently, some party leaders concluded that Jonathan should be their party (PDP) flag bearer.
Recently, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, the Senate minority leader from the PDP, confirmed that the party has zoned the presidential candidacy to the South and is considering Jonathan as a potential candidate. Additionally, Jerry Gàna has expressed that Jonathan will likely run under the PDP platform in 2027.
Sources indicate that the two prominent political figures (Peter Obi & Goodluck Jonathan) have held at least three closed-door discussions regarding this matter, but they have not reached a meaningful conclusion. Reports from a lengthy recent meeting at Jonathan’s residence in Abuja reveal that the main issue at hand is determining which of the two candidates would step aside in favor of the other.
Insiders disclosed that both men presented arguments for their respective candidacies. Jonathan, 67, emphasized the increasing pressure from various regions urging him to return to politics, arguing that he has only served one term in office and deserves a second term to complete the constitutionally permitted two. He noted that age would bar him from seeking further elective roles after that.
In contrast, Obi, 64, pointed to his growing national acceptance, citing the disputed results of the 2023 election as evidence of his cross-regional appeal. He reportedly told Jonathan, “My oga, my president, my elder brother, please let the young grow; let your younger brother also breathe fresh air.”
Obi, affectionately known as “Peter the Rock” by his devoted Obidient supporters, believes that a single term in office would be sufficient for him to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic transformation. The two have been advised that it would be a political suicidal if they fail to collapse their political structures and form a formidable team that will defeat Tinubu.
The meeting between Obi and former President Jonathan ended without a resolution, but Jonathan reportedly suggested to Obi that he “sleep over” an offer to step aside in exchange for a prominent cabinet position, potentially as Minister of Petroleum Resources or Finance, should Jonathan secure the candidacy. The two are set to meet again in the coming months to discuss what could be a final decision.
Despite their differences, both Jonathan and Obi reportedly share a common goal: to restore Nigeria’s battered credibility and dignity. They are said to be united in their efforts to eventually collaborate under a common platform.
Within the coalition to which Peter Obi belongs, it has been noted that some key members are supporting the former president over Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Prominent figures in the coalition, such as Obi and former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, who have both expressed interest in the 2027 presidential race, are reportedly facing challenges in gaining acceptance in the North and even within their party. Meanwhile, northern leaders have continued to criticize President Tinubu’s administration, blaming it for ongoing issues in the region. Recently, it was reported that Jonathan consulted with some northern elites and hinted at a possible run for the 2027 election.
The Obidients movement is not pleased with the prospect of Jonathan’s ambitions for 2027. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Movement, told Daily Trust that while both men are respected leaders, Obi remains the preferred choice for millions of Nigerians seeking a new direction. “They have been friends for a long time. The meeting was meant for them to discuss ways to rescue Nigeria. However, for us in the Obidient Movement, it would be ideal for Jonathan to continue being the respected statesman he is known for. He has done his best as president, and now is the time for him to support his brother,” Tanko said.
Obidient Movement leaders have made their stance clear, insisting that Jonathan should step aside for Obi in the interest of fairness and national progress. Tanko mentioned that Obi was part of Jonathan’s economic management team and stood by him during his presidency, stressing that the former president should now reciprocate by supporting Obi’s ambition for 2027. He further alleged that some politicians are plotting to use Jonathan against Obi but maintained that the Obidient Movement would not allow such a plan to succeed.
“We are aware of such attempts, but we strongly believe they will not be successful. Many Nigerians feel the next president should come from the South, and for fairness, the South East should have the opportunity. Peter Obi is the ideal candidate,” he added.
Jonathan and Peter Obi have met approximately three times but have yet to reach a meaningful conclusion. It is anticipated that in a few months or weeks, they may align on a common goal. Former President Jonathan is being courted by leaders from the PDP and ADC, who believe he has stronger appeal in the North, while Obi’s camp insists that the momentum from 2023 and the strength of the Obidient Movement make him the natural choice.
Some analysts in the legal field have warned the former president that he may be ineligible to run in 2027, according to a specific section of the constitution.
“Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, inserted by the Fourth Alteration Act, states that any successor who completes another president’s term is limited to one additional election, making the former president ineligible for another run.”
These are some of the issues he would need to address before making any decisions. He had previously indicated to friends and family that he would not run in 2027, despite recent calls for him to reconsider.
Sources inform us that politicians have turned his Abuja home into a focal point, constantly visiting to pressure him to enter the race. However, he has reportedly refused their entreaties, believing their motives to be selfish. A source close to him stated, “Jonathan believes that some individuals want to draw him into the race in order to undermine Southern solidarity. He will not allow himself to be used by those with hidden agendas aimed at dividing the South to benefit the North in the upcoming election. He is not in favor of divisive politics. Instead, he wants the South to complete its eight-year term successfully before power shifts to the North.”
Another source mentioned that Jonathan has repeatedly told visitors to his home in Abuja that he is not interested in running again because he feels he has fulfilled his role and wants others to take their turn. “However, he will not make any public statements on this matter just yet,” the source added.
Finally, the question of who will step aside as Jonathan set to run for presidency in 2027 remains unresolved. However, political dynamics, party maneuverings, and insider calculations appear to be leaning in Jonathan’s favor. What is certain is that both men share a singular objective: to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and, as one source put it, “rescue the country from its current path.”
Isaac Abimbade
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