Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rumored 2027 presidential ambition has sparked a divide within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South, with stakeholders split on whether he should challenge President Bola Tinubu.
While some PDP members oppose his candidacy, several political pressure groups are rallying behind the former leader.Sources close to Jonathan indicate he is consulting on whether to run in 2027, with reports suggesting that the PDP, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and African Democratic Congress have urged him to contest. These claims remain unverified by The PUNCH.
In Jonathan’s home state of Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri’s stance is eagerly awaited as the issue has deepened tensions between supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who hold opposing views.
Meanwhile, the Edo PDP enthusiastically supports Jonathan, describing his potential candidacy as “a breath of fresh air.”
Delta State party leaders have also pledged their backing, while Akwa Ibom’s PDP awaits Jonathan’s formal declaration before taking a position.
To bolster the PDP’s prospects for 2027, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, met with Jonathan in Bayelsa to discuss his potential return to the party.
Prominent PDP figures, including former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido and former Minister Jerry Gana, have publicly encouraged Jonathan to run.
However, Jonathan’s eligibility is under scrutiny due to a 2018 constitutional amendment. Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the Constitution bar anyone sworn in twice as president or governor from running again, though a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Yenagoa affirmed Jonathan’s right to contest.
His office cites this judgment to support his eligibility.Edo PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare praised Jonathan, stating, “His tenure as President remains a benchmark for good governance and national cohesion. His potential return would be a refreshing development for Nigeria.”
Nehikhare emphasized that the Edo PDP would rally behind Jonathan if he decides to run, prioritizing the nation’s collective interest.
In Bayelsa, the PDP remains cautious. Acting Chairman George Turnah told The PUNCH that Governor Diri, as the state’s party leader, is best positioned to comment on Jonathan’s ambition, indicating Diri’s authority on the matter.
“The governor is the leader of the party in the state. At that level, the governor will be in a better position to give a firm (answer) because usually he is the leader of the party in the state.
“As an individual, well, the story of President Jonathan is in the realm of speculation. There is really nothing for any of us to say now. It’s still in the realm of speculation. Whatever we say will be guesswork.’’
Continuing, he stated, ‘’For now, that’s what it is. When he comes out that he’s running, then we can now form a conversation, people can now form their opinions and build blocks and bridges. That’s when the conversation will begin.
“As a party official, holding a party position, because there will be other aspirants, it will not be right to, I’m speaking of me as a person, it is not expected that any officer of the party will hold any opinion.
“Our own responsibility will come immediately after candidates emerge. Once he becomes a property of the party, that’s where we take over. Until he becomes a property of the party, we are expected to be neutral.”
In Rivers State, the PDP faction loyal to Wike dismissed calls for Jonathan to contest, while the camp aligned with Fubara described it as a worthy move considering Jonathan’s record in office.
The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kenneth Yorwika, a Wike loyalist, told PUNCH in a telephone chat that Jonathan had served his time and has been largely inactive in party affairs since leaving office in 2015.
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