Some close associates and senior members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have claimed that former President Goodluck Jonathan is seriously considering vying for the presidency in the 2027 election.

Jonathan was defeated by late Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 after a failed bid to remain as Nigeria’s president.

Goodluck Jonathan and 2027 election

In every election cycle in Nigeria, Jonathan's face reappears on billboards, his name is floated on campaign buses, even as he publicly cultivates a life beyond partisan politics.

Amid the unending rumour about a potential Jonathan presidency, Legit.ng looks at why the Bayelsa-born politician should run against incumbent President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Seeming soft spot for Jonathan

Since he was defeated in the 2015 presidential election, Jonathan has remained very visible in the public eye.

Moreover, his unspent second term keeps hovering over the political waters. That can be hinged upon how Jonathan conducted himself with dignity in the aftermath of his loss, even conceding the election to candidate Buhari before the results were officially declared. There has always been some sympathy for him in the political arena and among the masses.

Jonathan, a strong southern candidate

GEJ, as Jonathan is fondly called, does not exactly cut the profile of a practiced political pugilist, nor does he convey the canny core, the conspicuous charisma, or the competitive crust of a comeback kid. Yet any strategist gaming out Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race would be rash to rule out the 67-year-old’s chances should he choose to re-enter the fray.

If he runs, as rumours suggest, it would not be a slam dunk, but neither would it be a disastrous clunk.

Backing of PDP bigwigs

Although he has not been actively participating in activities of his known party, the PDP, several top personalities in the party have thrown their weight behing Jonathan.

Already, the party has zoned its presidency to the south, the region Jonathan hails from. The former president has, meanwhile, been silent about his ambition.

In August, Bauchi state governor Bala Mohammed, who leads the PDP Governors’ Forum, revealed that the party is considering Jonathan. Mohammed said, as quoted by Business Day:

“Certainly, President Jonathan is one of the candidates we are thinking of, if he joins us and opens his mind to run."

In the same vein, former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, declared that Jonathan is the best option as candidate of the PDP in the 2027 presidential election.

Lamido, therefore, urged the party to “woo” Jonathan back into its fold. The former Jigawa governor said, according to Arise News:

“If we are giving the president to the south, who is there in the PDP who can challenge Jonathan? In terms of pedigree, in terms of being there in office, in terms of being cool-headed, in terms of somebody willing to listen… and somebody who also believes in partnership.

“I think for PDP now, they should try to woo him. To me, he is their best bet. Anybody put forth by the PDP, Nigerians will support him.”