The political scene is already buzzing ahead of the 2027 elections as former President Goodluck Jonathan has officially been confirmed as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate. The news was announced in Minna by former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, after the PDP Congress on Sunday, putting an end to months of speculation about Jonathan’s comeback.
According to Gana, Nigerians are calling for Jonathan’s return after experiencing other administrations since 2015. He recalled Jonathan’s famous line that his “ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian” and argued that the nation is now yearning for his brand of leadership once again. The announcement sparked immediate reactions nationwide, with analysts suggesting his candidacy could dramatically reshape the 2027 race.
But the Tinubu Presidency wasted no time in pushing back. In a strongly worded statement, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga dismissed Jonathan’s return as unnecessary. While acknowledging his right to run, Onanuga warned Nigerians not to forget Jonathan’s “dismal record,” accusing his administration of wasteful spending and economic decline. He further suggested that those urging Jonathan on were driven by selfish political and ethnic interests, just as they allegedly abandoned him in 2015.
Onanuga also raised a constitutional angle, hinting that Jonathan’s eligibility might face legal challenges. He argued that Jonathan, having been sworn in twice already, may not meet the constitutional requirements to contest again. Human rights lawyer Prof. Chidi Odinkalu echoed this, stressing that Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution could block his bid since he has technically been elected president twice before.
Despite the hurdles, Jonathan’s return has reignited political debates across Nigeria. To some, he represents stability and peace; to others, his past failures remain too fresh to forget. What is certain, however, is that his entry has set the stage for one of Nigeria’s most dramatic election battles in recent history.
