Jonathan eyes 2027 presidency on PDP platform

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly decided to pursue a return to the presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to sources close to the former president, the decision followed consultations and internal deliberations over the most viable political platform for a possible comeback bid.

A top member of Jonathan’s political circle reportedly confirmed that the former president settled for the PDP after assessing his chances across different political parties amid growing calls from supporters urging him to contest.

The source said Jonathan’s supporters believe he can provide leadership capable of addressing worsening economic hardship and poverty in the country.

The reported decision has also triggered competition among several pro-Jonathan groups seeking to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form for him.

The PDP has pegged its presidential nomination form at N100 million, with the deadline for submission expected this week.

Among the groups reportedly lobbying to obtain the form are the Coalition for Jonathan, Goodies Movement, The New Nigeria movement, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government and the Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance.

Another group, the Goodluckian Movement, said to comprise Nigerians in the diaspora, is also reportedly pushing to purchase the form, arguing that it represents Jonathan supporters across different parts of the world.

Sources said many of the support groups had already pledged to raise funds for the nomination form as pressure mounts on the former president to officially declare his intention.

Jonathan had earlier told supporters calling on him to contest that he would consult widely before taking a final decision on the matter.

However, sources within his camp now claim the former president has made up his mind to join the race, hoping to convince Nigerians that he can revive the economy and reduce hardship if elected.

The growing speculation around Jonathan’s ambition has also revived discussions about the platform he would use to contest, especially after reports emerged that he had completed his registration with the PDP earlier this year.

The party’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, reportedly confirmed that Jonathan had fulfilled the party’s online registration requirements, while noting that neither the former president nor his associates had denied reports linking him to the PDP.

Jonathan previously attracted national attention in 2022 when a northern support group purchased the presidential nomination form of the All Progressives Congress for him, although he later distanced himself from the move and did not participate in the APC primary.

Meanwhile, the former president is also challenging a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to bar him from contesting the presidency again on the grounds that he had already served two terms in office.

The outcome of the case is expected to determine whether Jonathan can legally participate in the 2027 presidential election.