Reliable sources within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disclosed that consultations are ongoing at Wadata Plaza, the party’s national secretariat, to persuade Jonathan to throw his hat back into the ring. Insiders revealed that some northern political figures see Jonathan as a compromise candidate who could pave the way for their own ambition in 2031.
Jonathan has reportedly been holding private meetings with influential Nigerians, including a visit to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida. Observers note that his recent remarks about betrayal during the 2015 elections—when he lost to Muhammadu Buhari—were calculated to stir public sympathy.
At the 70th birthday of his former Chief of Staff, Mike Ogiadomhe, in Benin City, Jonathan lamented the culture of betrayal in Nigerian politics, contrasting Ogiadomhe’s loyalty with what he experienced in 2015. Analysts likened the speech to Jonathan’s 2010 declaration speech before the 2011 elections.
Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola, and his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, have also fueled speculation by dismissing reports that the former president had ruled out a 2027 bid. Azibaola insisted that Jonathan “never said he would not contest” while Eze described the ex-president as one of Africa’s most respected statesmen whose record still speaks for him.
However, party insiders caution that securing the PDP ticket will not be straightforward. The party has adopted a zoning formula ahead of its November convention, with the chairmanship expected to come from the North while the presidency is zoned to the South. Micro-zoning within the South remains contentious, raising questions about whether Jonathan can muster enough support.
A PDP source told KogiTribune:
“Micro-zoning is about survival, not sentiment. If we get it wrong, APC may win the election before campaigns even begin.”
Jonathan’s once-solid South-South base has also weakened. States like Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River no longer present a guaranteed bloc for him. The South-East, traditionally supportive, could also drift towards Peter Obi if he remains on the ballot in 2027.
Meanwhile, political watchers suggest that Jonathan and Obi face similar challenges—while PDP grapples with zoning disputes, the Labour Party remains mired in internal crisis, leaving both men uncertain about their political future.
With his allies divided, and speculations rife, the big question remains: Will Goodluck Jonathan make a dramatic return to the 2027 race, or bow out as a respected statesman?
