The reported 2027 ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan has split the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-South into two camps, with the stakeholders holding divergent positions on the issue.
While some party members believed Jonathan should not contest against President Bola Tinubu, various political pressure groups drummed support for the ex-leader.
Aides to the former President have been quoted in the media that their principal was consulting on whether to throw his hat in the ring in 2027.
He was said to have been asked to contest the presidency by the PDP, the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the African Democratic Congress. The PUNCH could not immediately confirm this.
Jonathan’s home state, Bayelsa, is awaiting the position of Governor Douye Diri on the issue as the ex-president’s reported ambition has divided the loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in Rivers State, with the two camps taking opposite stance.
The Edo chapter of the party welcomes the prospect of having Jonathan on the ballot, describing him as a breath of fresh air.
Party leaders in Delta State equally pledged their support for the Bayelsa-born politician, while the PDP in Akwa Ibom State is waiting for Jonathan’s formal declaration before announcing its position.
To strengthen the party’s chances in 2027, the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, met with Jonathan in Bayelsa where they discussed his possible return to the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Additionally, party leaders such as former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Information and National Orientation Jerry Gana, and others have publicly urged Jonathan and others to run under PDP.
However, Nigerians remain divided over Jonathan’s eligibility, following a 2018 constitutional amendment that prohibits anyone who has been sworn in twice in the past from contesting for the presidency or a governorship.
Sections 137(3) and 182(3) of the Constitution state that a person who has been sworn in to complete another person’s term as President or Governor may only be elected to that office for one additional term.
However, Jonathan’s office asserted that he could contest against Tinubu citing a 2022 court judgement which affirmed the ex -president’s right to run again.
The previously unpublished judgment delivered by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, confirmed that Jonathan was well qualified to contest the presidential election.
Speaking on Jonathan’s bid, the Edo State chapter of the PDP stated that his return to the party and national leadership would be a refreshing development.
The party Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, told The PUNCH in an interview that Jonathan is still regarded as one of the most qualified leaders in Nigeria’s history.
He said, “While Dr. Jonathan has not yet formally declared his intention to run, it is without doubt that he remains one of the most qualified leaders in our nation’s history.
“His tenure as President continues to stand as a reference point for good governance, national cohesion, and a better Nigeria.
“For us in the Edo PDP, his potential return to the saddle of leadership would come as a breath of fresh air for the country. As a party, we have always placed the collective interest of Nigerians above all else when making critical decisions.
“It would, therefore, be an honour and privilege for the Edo PDP to lead in rallying support for a government under the leadership of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, should he decide to run.”
The Bayelsa State chapter of the PDP was non-committal on Jonathan’s presidential ambition. Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the acting Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, George Turnah, said Governor Diri is in the best position to provide a response.
He explained that, as the incumbent governor, Diri is the leader of the PDP in Bayelsa State and therefore holds the authority to speak 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.’’
2027 Presidency: Jonathan splits South-South PDP
