A group of influential northern politicians has begun a campaign to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.
This move is aimed at countering President Bola Tinubu’s re-election plans, which have faced growing discontent.
The northern leaders, comprising governors and retired military officers, believe Jonathan’s experience and broad appeal make him an ideal candidate, according to NaijaNews.
His eligibility for one more four-year term, having served from 2011 to 2015, is cited as a key factor.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, a former minister under Jonathan, has publicly expressed his willingness to step aside if Jonathan runs.
Mohammed highlighted Jonathan’s experience as a significant asset, saying he would “do a better job” due to his prior experience as vice president and president.
“With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition… I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for the leadership of this country unless he decides not to run… He will do a better job because he has the experience,” Mohammed said
The northern leaders are leveraging the 1999 Constitution, which allows a maximum of two presidential terms, to justify Jonathan’s potential candidacy. They are engaging key stakeholders, civil society, and pro-democracy groups across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to build support for Jonathan.
However, not all northern politicians are on board, with a rival group pushing for a different southern candidate, also opposing Tinubu’s continued leadership. This development suggests strong interest in Jonathan’s potential return among northern power players.
The push for Jonathan’s candidacy gained momentum in August 2023, with reports emerging that key political figures were considering persuading him to run. Before the 2023 presidential election, rumors circulated that the ruling All Progressives Congress was considering fielding Jonathan as its candidate, but these claims were dismissed.
Jonathan’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, previously clarified that the former president had no interest in running in 2023. However, the current initiative suggests that northern power players remain interested in Jonathan’s potential return to the presidency.
“We wish to categorically state that Dr. Jonathan was not aware of this bid and did not authorize it,” Eze said in a statement.
The 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be highly contested, with various factions and interests vying for power. As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will watch closely to see how the political landscape evolves.
APC officials, including then-national committee chairman Mai Mala Buni, dismissed the speculations, with Buni emphasizing that their interactions with Jonathan were simply out of respect for his status as a former president.
Buni added: “Our visit to Jonathan was pronounced because of his status as a former president… That could be why some may think there was something beneath it.”
