The storm over the 2027 presidential election has taken a dramatic twist as the reported ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan tears through the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South, pitching heavyweights, loyalists, and regional blocs against one another.
While some stakeholders insist Jonathan should not contest against President Bola Tinubu, a wave of political pressure groups, elders, and party leaders are drumming support for the Bayelsa-born statesman, urging him to return as a “savior figure” in Nigeria’s troubled democracy.
Consultations Behind Closed Doors
Close aides to the former President have hinted that Jonathan is “deep in consultations” over whether to throw his hat into the 2027 ring. Reports suggest that the PDP, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have all courted him to fly their flags.
Although the ex-leader is yet to make a public declaration, governors, former ministers, and influential party stalwarts are quietly lobbying him to join the race. PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, recently met Jonathan in Bayelsa in what insiders described as a “delicate political courtship.”
South-South Torn Apart
Jonathan’s home base is far from united. In Bayelsa, the party hierarchy remains cautious, waiting for Governor Douye Diri to take a stand. In neighbouring Rivers, the division is fierce: loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have dismissed Jonathan as “a man of the past,” while suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp insists the ex-President’s return would be “a worthy move” for Nigeria.
Delta PDP leaders openly declared support for Jonathan, pledging “100 per cent loyalty” if he joins the race. Edo PDP described him as “a breath of fresh air” and a proven leader whose tenure remains “a reference point for good governance.” Akwa Ibom, however, is holding its fire, preferring to wait until Jonathan formally speaks.
The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) signaled natural support for Jonathan but expressed fears of “political deception,” warning that Northern power blocs may be using the former President as a pawn. PANDEF, the apex Niger Delta socio-political body, reiterated that 2027 is non-negotiably a Southern turn, vowing to resist any Northern aspirant including Atiku Abubakar.
Constitutional Shadows
But a fierce constitutional debate looms over Jonathan’s eligibility. The 2018 amendment to Sections 137(3) and 182(3) bars anyone sworn in twice as President or Governor from seeking another term. Jonathan, who completed late President Yar’Adua’s tenure before winning in 2011, seems caught in the web.
However, his camp points to a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Yenagoa, which declared him qualified to contest again. This legal lifeline, they argue, gives Jonathan a legitimate pathway to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
Voices of Division
Rivers PDP (Wike’s camp): “Jonathan has done his time. He has been inactive in party affairs. Tinubu is already delivering,” declared state spokesman Kenneth Yorwika.
Rivers PDP (Fubara’s allies): “Jonathan is respected worldwide. His return could heal Nigeria,” said ex-lawmaker Ogbonna Nwuke.
Delta PDP: “If he runs, we’re 100 per cent behind him,” vowed Victor Ojei.
Edo PDP: “He remains one of Nigeria’s most qualified leaders,” insisted Chris Nehikhare.
The Big Question
As Nigeria edges toward another bruising election season, Jonathan’s silence fuels suspense. Will he defy the odds, reclaim his party’s fractured base, and challenge Tinubu? Or will history and constitutional hurdles bury his second-coming dreams?
For now, the South-South stands divided, the PDP trembles on fault lines, and the 2027 race has already begun—three years too early.
PIONEER NEWS 