In the last few days, there has been widespread speculation as to whether former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would contest for the presidency in the 2027 elections, twelve years after leaving office in 2015.
The former president earlier today stated he would consider consulting widely in the build-up to the elections. Speaking to supporters who accosted him at his office, convincing him to run for the presidency, Jonathan said, “The presidential race is not a computer game, but I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is that in Nigeria, the young people will have hope. In Nigeria, we plan for our grandchildren.
He also encouraged the youths to get their PVCs in the build-up to the 2027 elections, stating, “If I ask how many of you have your voter’s cards now, probably 50% of you don’t even have a voter’s card, and you’re asking me to go and contest the election.
“So you must, the patriotic, you must participate in the electoral process. Yes, you are asking me to come and contest the next elections.”
This has heightened speculations that the former president might be on the ballot in 2027, throwing open the presidential race.
What This Potentially Means
If Goodluck Ebele Jonathan decides to contest the presidency in 2027, it would represent a comeback for a man who was hounded out by the APC in 2015. It would also have massive repercusions for the silent power rotation amongst the Southern Region and the North.
Jonathan would become the major challenger to president Bola Tinubu due to the fact he can only govern for four years which would be appealing to the North as power would automatically return to the North in 2031.
The biggest loser from a potential Goodluck Jonathan presidential bid is Peter Obi, the labour party candidate in the 2023 elections who is planning to run under the Nigeria Democratic Congress in 2027.
All is however cast in stone as the former president would still have to decide what party to run under considering the demise of the PDP and the strategic placement of candidates in the NDC and ADC.
