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2027 Race Heats Up: Ex-President Jonathan Set to Challenge Tinubu — PDP Ally Reveals Ongoing Consultations
A close ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that the ex-Nigerian leader is being positioned to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
According to a report by Vanguard, the ally who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—disclosed that the movement to draft Jonathan back into the race under the PDP platform is already in full swing. The former president has reportedly agreed in principle to contest, with the goal of addressing Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, rising poverty, and widespread public hardship.
The source further disclosed that the initiative is being championed by influential Nigerian leaders and elder statesmen who believe that Jonathan’s six-year tenure offered a period of relative stability and economic growth.
“They believe Jonathan can return Nigeria to the path of recovery, unity and prosperity,” the ally said, noting that several PDP leaders have been ‘pleading’ with Jonathan to consider a comeback in what is being framed as a rescue mission.
The Otuoke-born politician is said to have already commenced private consultations with prominent political figures, including a behind-closed-doors meeting with former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), at his Minna residence last weekend. According to the source, Jonathan shared his intention to run a single term if elected in 2027.
While details of Babangida’s response remain undisclosed, the source expressed confidence that the idea had gained significant traction in the North.
Meanwhile, Jonathan is reportedly in the South-South region engaging critical stakeholders and political allies to rally support. Though exact identities of those he is meeting with in Port Harcourt remain unclear, insiders say the region remains one of his strongest political bases and is unlikely to oppose his return bid.
Despite the growing political buzz, the former president has not made any official announcement regarding his 2027 ambition.
The development, if confirmed, would set the stage for a historic face-off between two political heavyweights Jonathan of the PDP and Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—in what could become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched elections.