Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly preparing to re-enter Nigeria’s presidential race on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid intensified mobilisation by multiple support groups pushing for his comeback.
As reported by Vanguard, a senior member of Jonathan’s camp, who spoke in confidence, told Vanguard that the former president’s decision followed wide consultations over the most viable political platform for his anticipated return, with a focus on addressing economic hardship and governance challenges in the country.
According to the source, the confirmation of PDP as Jonathan’s preferred platform has triggered a scramble among various groups seeking to purchase the party’s presidential nomination form, pegged at N100 million.
The source further disclosed that several organisations and diaspora-backed movements are racing against a Tuesday deadline for submission of forms, each claiming to be acting in Jonathan’s interest.
Among the groups mentioned are the Goodluck Jonathan Movement, said to be largely composed of Nigerians in the diaspora; the Coalition for Jonathan; the Goodies Movement; and The New Nigeria (TNN), a mass-based platform with reported strong followership in parts of northern Nigeria.
Others include the Almajiri Network, Arewa for Good Governance, Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government, and the North Youth Progressive Movement.
It was gathered that each of the groups has pledged to independently raise the N100m nomination fee to secure the form for the former president.
A source said, “The groups are aware of the deadline and are determined to beat time to obtain the form. There is intense competition among them over who gets to present it.”
Jonathan, according to insiders, has yet to make a formal public declaration but is said to have resolved to contest, while continuing consultations with political stakeholders.
“He told the groups he would consult widely before making a final decision, but he has already made up his mind to run,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the PDP has also been drawn into the unfolding political development. The party’s spokesperson, Barrister Ini Ememobong, confirmed that Jonathan had earlier completed his online registration with the PDP, dismissing doubts about his membership status.
In 2022, a Northern youth group had reportedly purchased a presidential nomination form for Jonathan under the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move he later disowned.
Further signalling renewed political interest, Jonathan has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge a suit seeking to bar him from contesting the presidency on the grounds that he has already served two terms.
The case is expected to determine his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Source: Vanguard
