The growing talk about former President Goodluck Jonathan running for president in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has caused tension within President Bola Tinubu’s camp.
On Monday, Jonathan was taken to a Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged plan to contest in 2027.
Earlier, former Minister of Information and PDP chieftain, Professor Jerry Gana, confirmed in Minna that Jonathan would run as the PDP presidential candidate.
Gana said Nigerians now want Jonathan back, adding that his return would bring a clear difference in leadership.
Following this, a lawyer, Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, filed a suit asking the court to stop Jonathan from contesting. He also wants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject Jonathan’s name if any party tries to nominate him.
The case questions whether Jonathan, who has been sworn in as president twice, can legally run again.
Presidency: Jonathan’s Record Was a “Disaster”
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, recently attacked Jonathan’s record, saying his time in office lacked direction and left the economy in bad shape.
He challenged Jonathan to contest, insisting that the courts would decide if he qualifies to run for a third term.
Jonathan first became president in 2010 after President Umaru Yar’Adua’s death and was later elected in 2011. He lost to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Lawyer Says Case Against Jonathan Is a Waste of Time
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, described the new case as an “abuse of court process.”
He said a Bayelsa court had already ruled that Jonathan is qualified to contest, and that ruling still stands since it hasn’t been overturned.
He explained that the law limiting presidential terms, added in 2018, does not apply to Jonathan because it wasn’t in place when he first became president.
APC: “Jonathan Will Need Overdose of Good Luck”
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mocked Jonathan, saying his possible comeback is based on nostalgia, not ability.
The party added that if he contests, he would need “an overdose of good luck” to win because of legal and credibility issues.
Kenneth Okonkwo Warns Jonathan
Actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo advised Jonathan not to join the 2027 race, warning that the same people who once tried to ruin his image are still in power.
He said giving Jonathan another term would mean he ruled Nigeria for about ten years, which could backfire politically.
Bishop Kukah: “Be Careful Who You Listen To”
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah, also urged Jonathan to be cautious. Speaking at an event in Ghana, he praised Jonathan’s 2015 peaceful concession of defeat but warned him to think and pray deeply before deciding to run again.
Kukah quoted General Theophilus Danjuma, saying, “The voice of the devil is not far from the voice of God,” warning Jonathan not to be used by selfish politicians.
Analyst: APC and Tinubu Camp Are Afraid
Dr. Nduka Odo, a public affairs analyst, said the Tinubu camp is nervous about Jonathan’s possible return.
He said the attacks on Jonathan and other potential opponents like Peter Obi show the ruling party’s fear of losing power.
Odo noted that while it’s normal for the APC to defend itself, their strong reactions show clear anxiety about the 2027 elections.