Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has allegedly agreed to contest the 2027 presidential election, according to a close political associate.
The revelation, confirmed to Vanguard on Wednesday, indicated that the Bayelsa-born politician and member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been engaged in ongoing consultations with northern political leaders to pave the way for his candidacy.
According to the source, the plan to draft Jonathan into the 2027 race on the PDP platform has reached an advanced stage, with the former president reportedly accepting the bid. He is said to be entering the race with the aim of tackling Nigeria’s deepening poverty, economic hardship, and widespread suffering since the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over power in 2015.
The insider further revealed that Jonathan has held several behind-the-scenes meetings with prominent political figures both within and outside the PDP, especially in the north, to seek their backing. Notably, the former president reportedly met last weekend with former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd.), at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State, where he briefed him on his intention to run for a single term in 2027.
Meanwhile, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the party’s efforts to bring Jonathan back into the fold.
“Many Nigerians have come to realise the mistake they made in not re-electing Dr. Jonathan. They now acknowledge his achievements and are even apologising, pleading with him to return and rescue the country,” Abdullahi said.
