Goodluck Jonathan Leaves Door Open for 2027 Presidential Race
- Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has reignited the political debate after hinting he may join the 2027 presidential race
- His pledge to 'consult widely' has raised hopes among supporters while sparking legal and political questions about his eligibility
- Analysts warn that, despite his popularity, Jonathan would face issues like voter apathy, party divisions, and constitutional hurdles
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stirred fresh debate in Nigeria’s political landscape after declaring that he will 'consult widely' before deciding whether to join the 2027 presidential race or not.
His remarks came during a meeting with the Coalition for Jonathan 2027 in Abuja, where he emphasised patriotism, peace, and youth participation in politics.
Source: Twitter
In a statement many interpret as his strongest signal yet of possible interest in contesting, he said:
“I’ve heard you, and I will consult widely.”
2027 election: Calls for Jonathan to contest
According to Daily Trust, groups and political stakeholders have urged Jonathan to return to active politics since at least 2023.
In 2025, PDP stalwarts attempted to persuade him to run, but he declined; yet his latest comments have reignited hopes among supporters that he may reconsider.
The Coalition for Jonathan 2027, led by Dr Tom Ohikere, reminded him of their earlier appeal on April 8, 2026, urging him to 'save Nigeria from impending collapse'.
Jonathan speaks on youth participation, voter turnout
Goodlock Jonathan used the occasion to challenge young Nigerians to obtain their voter cards and actively engage in the electoral process.
He lamented Nigeria’s persistently low voter turnout, saying:
“Nigeria has the lowest turnout in elections in every election cycle. INEC needs to study it and find out what is wrong, what is the cause, and do something about it.”
He stressed that without credible elections, many citizens would remain disengaged from politics.
Jonathan's post-presidency role
Since leaving office in 2015, Jonathan has served as an election observer across Africa and beyond.
In January 2024, he led the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Pakistan, and earlier this year, he headed a joint mission in Uganda under the African Union, COMESA, and IGAD.
Despite his international engagements, Jonathan admitted that Nigeria’s voter apathy remains unmatched compared to other countries he had monitored elections.
Source: Twitter
Legal challenge to Jonathan’s eligibility
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a suit challenging the former president's eligibility to contest in 2027.
The case, filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, argued that Jonathan had already exhausted the constitutional limit of two presidential terms, having completed late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure and later serving a full term after the 2011 election.
The plaintiff insisted that allowing the former leader to contest would mean he would take the presidential oath for a third time, which violates constitutional provisions.
Jonathan: Analysts warn of political gamble
Political experts have also cautioned Jonathan against re-entering the race.
Professor Emmanuel Ojo described the move as a 'political gamble', citing legal hurdles and regional power dynamics.
He noted that Jonathan’s South-South origin may not align with current demands for power rotation to the Southeast.
Similarly, analysts Jide Ojo and Prof Saleh Dauda dismissed his chances, arguing that he has not built a political base since 2016 and that his return could fragment southern votes.
“His chances of winning an election, as far as I understand, are zero,” Dauda stated bluntly.
Jonathan sends bold message to Africa
Legit.ng earlier reported that former President Goodluck Jonathan had urged African countries to deliberately promote new leaders between the ages of 25 and 50.
The former Nigerian leader, who is 'consulting widely' over a potential third term, insisted that this demographic is better equipped to handle the rigours of modern governance.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
