Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against contesting in the 2027 presidential election, stating that only his “enemies” would want him to do so.
Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the advice during an appearance on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, aired on October 5.
In recent weeks, speculation has intensified that Jonathan may throw his hat into the ring to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Although the former president has not made an official declaration, some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reportedly urged him to run on the party’s platform.
Nigeria’s main opposition party, the PDP—once a formidable political force—has become fragmented, with weakened structures across several regions. While some Nigerians support Jonathan’s potential return to the race, others, including Oshiomhole, believe it could damage his current reputation.
“Jonathan was defeated by APC even when the PDP was the ruling party, not to talk of now that the party’s followership has reduced remarkably,” Oshiomhole said during the interview.
“The South-South is no longer PDP. Where’s he going to start from?”
Oshiomhole argued that Jonathan’s current positive image could be at risk if he re-enters the presidential race, given the political realities and the strength of the ruling APC ahead of 2027.
APC Rallies Behind Tinubu’s Second Term Bid
Oshiomhole’s comments come as key stakeholders in the APC continue to throw their weight behind President Tinubu’s second term ambition. Zonal executives of the ruling party have already designed strategic programmes to ensure Tinubu’s re-election, emphasizing that he “deserves a second term to consolidate on his current reforms.”
The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has also responded to reports of Jonathan’s alleged comeback bid. Speaking on statements credited to former Minister of Information Jerry Gana, who claimed Jonathan would contest on the PDP platform, Onanuga dismissed the claims as “premature desperation” by the opposition.
“We are once again regaled with a cacophony of voices, most of them full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,” Onanuga said, paraphrasing William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Jonathan, ADC, and Opposition Dynamics
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Jonathan may be exploring an alternative platform—the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—as opposition forces intensify consultations to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a major figure in the ADC coalition, recently denied reports that he would step down for any candidate. His media aide, Paul Ibe, issued a statement from Abuja clarifying Atiku’s position.
Meanwhile, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, also a key ADC stakeholder, predicted a tough race for Tinubu.
“Tinubu will be third in the 2027 election. I have done my maths and I can tell you Tinubu has no pathway to win. The worst-case scenario is that there will not be any winner in the first ballot,” El-Rufai said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Looking Ahead
As the 2027 general elections approach, the political landscape is already heating up with shifting alliances, party realignments, and strategic calculations. Whether Jonathan will officially declare his intention remains to be seen, but the growing debate underscores the significance of his potential return to the political stage.
