Goodluck Jonathan Tipped As PDP’s 2027 Wildcard To Challenge Tinubu.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan could emerge as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) strongest contender against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, according to Segun Sowunmi, a prominent PDP chieftain and former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Speaking on Nigeria Info FM 99.3, Sowunmi described Jonathan as a potential “wildcard” capable of reshaping the political landscape.
Sowunmi highlighted Jonathan’s enduring political legitimacy, particularly in the South-South, where he enjoys strong support, as well as significant backing in the North and Middle Belt regions. “Jonathan may be our wildcard. He’s the man. A Jonathan will not have legitimacy problems in the South-South, and he will have good voters in the North and Middle Belt,” Sowunmi stated, suggesting that Jonathan’s candidacy could pose a formidable challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The PDP has confirmed that Jonathan remains a member of the party, with no record of resignation, as affirmed by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba. This clarification follows the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move that has fuelled speculation about Jonathan’s potential return to the race. The former president, who served from 2010 to 2015, is eligible for a single four-year term under Nigeria’s constitution, adding to the buzz around his possible candidacy.
Support for Jonathan’s potential run has been growing, particularly among northern PDP leaders. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has endorsed him as the party’s best option to unseat Tinubu, citing his experience and widespread appeal. Meanwhile, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, has urged Jonathan to contest under the party’s platform, warning that running with another party could expose inconsistencies in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Jonathan has remained silent on his intentions, leaving room for speculation. Some PDP insiders, including Lagos chieftain Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, have raised concerns about potential legal challenges to Jonathan’s eligibility, given his two prior oaths of office. Others, like Senator Shehu Sani, have advised against his candidacy, arguing that the PDP’s current fragmentation could undermine his chances.
Despite these debates, the prospect of Jonathan’s return has energised PDP supporters, with many on platforms like X expressing nostalgia for his tenure, marked by relative economic stability and democratic concessions, such as his graceful exit in 2015. Sowunmi’s remarks have added momentum to the conversation, positioning Jonathan as a unifying figure who could galvanise the opposition.
As the 2027 election approaches, the PDP’s strategic focus on the South and Jonathan’s potential candidacy signal a dynamic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether he chooses to run remains uncertain, but his name continues to dominate discussions as a beacon of hope for those seeking an alternative to the status quo.