Fresh reports suggest that former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is poised to re-enter Nigeria’s presidential race in 2027, marking what could be one of the most dramatic political comebacks in the country’s democratic history.
The speculation, which had been circulating within political circles for months, appears to be taking firmer shape following new disclosures from party insiders and political allies.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2010 to 2015, was defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections, making him the first incumbent president to concede defeat in Nigeria’s history. His peaceful transition earned him global acclaim, and he has since remained active in international diplomacy, democracy promotion, and peacebuilding efforts across Africa.
However, according to a report by Vanguard, a close ally of the former president confirmed on Wednesday that Jonathan has now “allegedly agreed to run” for the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — the same party he led for over a decade.
The source revealed: “The plan to draft Jonathan into contesting on PDP’s platform had gone far, and he had accepted to run.”
He further stated that Jonathan’s renewed interest in the presidency stems from his desire to address the growing poverty, economic hardship, and widespread suffering facing Nigerians since the APC took over power in 2015.
“The former president is going into the race to find ways of addressing Nigeria’s rising poverty, hardship and the general suffering that had gripped the citizenry since the All Progressives Congress, APC took over power in 2015,” the source added.
It was also gathered that Jonathan has already commenced strategic consultations, particularly with influential political figures in the north. According to the insider, he recently met with Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State. There, he reportedly briefed Babangida on his desire to return for a single term in office.
The political consultations are said to extend beyond the PDP and may include conversations with stakeholders from across party lines and regions.
Meanwhile, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the party’s behind-the-scenes moves to bring Jonathan back to the national stage.
“Many Nigerians have come to realise the mistake they made in not re-electing Dr. Jonathan. They now acknowledge his achievements and are even apologising, pleading with him to return and rescue the country,” Abdullahi said.
Jonathan’s tenure was marked by a mix of commendable economic growth and serious security challenges, particularly the rise of Boko Haram insurgency. In recent years, however, a growing section of Nigerians — disillusioned with the state of governance — have begun to reappraise his administration more favourably.
