JUST IN: Retired General, Northern Governor Lead Move To Draft Former President Into 2027 Presidential Race

Political figures from northern Nigeria are making moves to encourage former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. Their strategy is based on the fact that Jonathan, having served from 2011 to 2015, is constitutionally eligible for one more four- year term as president.....Read Full Article>>

This initiative is reportedly led by a North East governor and a retired military general from the North West. According to sources, these northern power brokers, after evaluating their political options, see Jonathan’ s potential candidacy as aligning with their broader interests. The group is capitalizing on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which permits a maximum of two presidential terms.

Their actions are part of a larger effort to disrupt President Bola Tinubu’ s chances of seeking re- election. Despite their push for Jonathan, there is an opposing faction made up of northern politicians and influential figures who are backing another candidate from the southern region. Both camps are unified in their opposition to Tinubu’ s continued leadership, yet divided over their preferred successor.

The supporters of Jonathan’ s potential candidacy have reportedly begun discussions with key stakeholders, working to gather momentum for the former Bayelsa governor, who has recently focused on international diplomacy and promoting democratic principles. Those backing Jonathan’ s return include a diverse group of northern leaders, cutting across political lines, all united in their disapproval of Tinubu’ s governance, which they consider ineffective. They believe Jonathan’ s leadership would provide a viable alternative.

Additionally, this group is extending its outreach to individuals and organizations across Nigeria’ s six geopolitical zones, seeking to build alliances with civil society and pro- democracy groups to strengthen Jonathan’ s support base.

Jonathan, who previously served as vice president from 2007 to 2010 and later as president, is viewed as a candidate with the experience and potential to gain significant backing, particularly in southern states. His popularity in the northern region, despite being out of office for nearly a decade, remains a key factor in his potential bid.

Momentum for Jonathan’ s candidacy began to build in August 2023, when reports surfaced that political figures were considering urging him to run for the 2027 election.

This development aligns with the views of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, a former minister in Jonathan’ s administration, who has publicly indicated his readiness to step aside should Jonathan decide to run. Mohammed expressed confidence in Jonathan’ s ability to lead effectively, citing his experience as a former president as a major advantage.

Although this push for Jonathan’ s candidacy isn’ t entirely new, it gained traction ahead of the 2023 elections, when rumors suggested the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was considering him as their candidate, with support from several northern governors. However, both Jonathan and the APC distanced themselves from these claims at the time, with Jonathan’ s spokesperson clarifying that the former president had no intention of running then.
Despite those denials, the current initiative shows that the political interest in Jonathan’ s potential return to power remains strong among influential figures in northern Nigeria. As 2027 approaches, the speculation surrounding his candidacy continues to grow.