Former President Goodluck Jonathan may still enter the 2027 presidential race despite earlier indications that he would remain outside active politics.
Reports indicate that Jonathan has obtained Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms from a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party through close associates as part of early preparations for a possible return bid.
The forms were reportedly secured from the Kabiru Turaki-led faction after the party’s Board of Trustees restored the group following a Supreme Court ruling.
Sources close to the former president said his decision to formally declare for the race would depend on the outcome of a court case concerning his constitutional eligibility to contest again.
The legal dispute centres on whether Jonathan’s completion of the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua after his death in 2010, alongside his election victory in 2011, should be regarded as two terms under Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
According to insiders, Jonathan’s camp believes he remains qualified to run because he only won one presidential election as a candidate in his own right.
A source familiar with the matter said the former president would only proceed with his ambition if the court rules in his favour.
The development comes as opposition parties continue to face internal divisions ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly within the PDP where leadership disagreements persist.
Jonathan’s possible return is also expected to influence ongoing political alignments among opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who was recently reported to have met privately with the former president.
Some insiders claimed Obi may not have fully realised the seriousness of Jonathan’s consultations after reportedly leaving the meeting believing the former president had no immediate presidential plans.
The possibility of Jonathan re-entering the race has already sparked mixed reactions within opposition circles, with some analysts arguing that his candidacy could divide opposition votes and indirectly strengthen President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Although there is no evidence linking Jonathan to the ruling camp, discussions about the implications of his possible return have continued to dominate political debates and social media conversations.
Sources further claimed that Jonathan is receiving support from influential northern political figures, especially from the North-West, though some leaders from his South-South base are reportedly not backing the move.
Among those allegedly not supporting the project are Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson.
There are also reports that former First Lady Patience Jonathan has distanced herself from discussions about a possible comeback, reportedly due to her relationship with the camp of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Several former aides who served during Jonathan’s administration are also said to be absent from the emerging political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
Attempts to get an official reaction from Jonathan’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were reportedly unanswered at the time of filing the report.
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