The rumour of Goodluck Jonathan, formal president of Nigeria to recontest again come 2027 has become a major national discussion after Jonathan recently responded to growing calls from youth groups and political supporters urging him to contest again in 2027.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has not officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 presidential election, but recent statements and political developments have strongly fueled speculation that he may be preparing for a comeback.
According to reports, Jonathan told supporters in Abuja that he would “consult widely” before making a final decision. He also stated that “the presidential race is not a computer game,” suggesting that he is seriously considering the pressure being mounted on him to return to active politics.
Several support groups have openly begun mobilising for him.
One of the most visible is the “Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan 2027,” which visited him in Abuja and urged him to return because of worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and political instability in Nigeria.
Another major development is that reports now claim Jonathan may use the Peoples Democratic Party as the platform for a possible 2027 comeback bid.
According to Vanguard, sources close to Jonathan allegedly confirmed that his camp believes the PDP offers him the strongest political route back to power. The report also claimed that groups loyal to him are already competing to purchase the party’s presidential nomination form on his behalf.
However, Jonathan himself has still avoided making a direct declaration.
Instead, his strategy appears cautious and calculated for several reasons; Constitutional controversy over his eligibility
A major legal battle is already ongoing over whether Jonathan can legally contest again.
A suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeks to stop him from participating in the 2027 election. The plaintiff argues that Section 137 of the Nigerian Constitution may prevent him from returning because he previously completed part of Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure and later served a full elected term.
Jonathan’s legal team has moved to dismiss the suit, arguing that courts had previously settled similar constitutional questions.
Supporters of Jonathan insist he remains constitutionally qualified because:
He completed Yar’Adua’s unfinished term after Yar’Adua died in office in 2010.
He was only elected once by Nigerians in 2011.
The constitution mainly prevents anyone from being elected president more than twice.
Jonathan’s possible return is also affecting opposition politics ahead of 2027. The opposition space is currently fragmented between Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar.
Several ADC and NDC coalition blocs. Many politicians now see Jonathan as a compromise candidate who may unite southern and northern interests because: He is viewed as less confrontational.
He still has goodwill from many Nigerians after peacefully conceding defeat in 2015.
Some northern politicians may consider him more acceptable than Obi. Some southern politicians see him as experienced and internationally respected.
The collapse and internal disagreements within the opposition coalition have increased discussions around drafting Jonathan into the race.
Supporters promoting Jonathan’s return often point to relative economic stability during parts of his administration.
Lower fuel prices during his tenure, major railway, and infrastructure projects started under him.
His peaceful concession to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, which boosted his democratic image globally.
Critics, however, argue that His administration struggled with corruption allegations. Boko Haram expanded significantly during his presidency. His government was accused of weak leadership and slow decision-making.
One interesting thing about Jonathan is that he rarely announces political ambitions aggressively.
Historically, he prefers: consultations, elite negotiations, behind-the-scenes endorsements, and “pressure from the people” narratives before formally entering races.
That is why many analysts believe his recent comments were intentionally ambiguous rather than accidental.
What's your take on thus issue, do you prefer Goodluck Jonathan over Obi, or do you wish Tinubu should continue and complete his second tenure?
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