Jonathan’s 2027 Ambition Splits South-South PDP as Party Leaders Weigh In

Abuja, Nigeria – Speculation over the reported 2027 presidential ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan has triggered fresh divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South, with party leaders and stakeholders split over whether the former leader should return to the ballot.

While some argue Jonathan should not contest against incumbent President Bola Tinubu, several political pressure groups and PDP factions have rallied behind him, describing his possible comeback as a “breath of fresh air.”

Sources close to the former president confirmed he is still consulting widely before deciding whether to contest. He has reportedly received overtures not only from the PDP, but also from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) urging him to run in 2027.

South-South PDP Divided

In Bayelsa State, Jonathan’s home base, all eyes are on Governor Douye Diri, whose stance will likely shape the chapter’s position. The uncertainty has also deepened rivalries in Rivers State, where loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara have taken opposite positions—Wike’s camp rejecting Jonathan’s return, while Fubara’s allies welcome it.

In contrast, the Edo State PDP has openly endorsed the idea. Party Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare described Jonathan as “one of the most qualified leaders in Nigeria’s history,” adding that his possible return would be “a refreshing development and a privilege for the party to champion.”

Similarly, Delta State leaders have pledged support, while the Akwa Ibom chapter says it is awaiting Jonathan’s formal declaration before stating its position.

National Push for Jonathan

Beyond the South-South, efforts to draw Jonathan back into the PDP are gathering momentum. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, recently met with Jonathan in Bayelsa to discuss his potential candidacy.

Prominent party elders—including former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Minister of Information Jerry Gana—have also publicly urged him to return and contest under the PDP platform.

Constitutional Debate

The possibility of Jonathan’s candidacy has reignited debate about his eligibility. A 2018 constitutional amendment bars anyone sworn in twice as president or governor from seeking re-election. Sections 137(3) and 182(3) specify that a person who completed another’s term may only seek one additional full term.

Critics argue this disqualifies Jonathan, who first assumed office in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before winning his own mandate in 2011. However, Jonathan’s camp insists he is eligible, citing a 2022 Federal High Court judgment in Yenagoa that affirmed his right to run again.

Rivers PDP at Crossroads

In Rivers, divisions are sharpest. PDP spokesman Kenneth Yorwika, a Wike loyalist, dismissed Jonathan’s relevance, noting his long absence from party affairs and arguing that Tinubu is already “making determined efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians.”

By contrast, allies of Fubara see Jonathan as a unifying figure. Former federal lawmaker Ogbonna Nwuke praised the ex-president’s peaceful disposition and performance in office, saying many Nigerians believe he has the qualities to restore stability and provide the leadership the country now needs.

Waiting Game in Bayelsa

For now, the Bayelsa PDP remains officially neutral. Acting caretaker chairman George Turnah stressed that only Governor Diri, as state leader of the party, can speak authoritatively.

“The story of President Jonathan’s ambition remains in the realm of speculation. Until he formally declares, it is premature for us to take a position,” Turnah said.

The Road Ahead

As consultations continue, Jonathan’s name looms large over the PDP’s internal calculations. Supporters hail him as a stabilizing figure whose tenure is still remembered for national cohesion and peaceful leadership, while critics question his relevance and eligibility.

What remains clear is that the former president’s next move—whether to declare or step aside—could reshape not only the PDP’s 2027 strategy but also the trajectory of Nigeria’s wider political landscape.

‎Tinubu/Shettima Ticket: Northern Christian Forum Thanks President Tinubu For Acknowledging Vice President’s Loyalty Ahead Of 2027

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‎The Northern Christian Youth Forum [NCYF] led by Rev. Pinot Atuluku as President, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for acknowledging Vice President Kassim Shetima’s loyalty. The group thereby vowed that it will mobilise 20 million Northern Christian votes for Mr. President ahead of 2027.
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‎NCYF members said they are happy that Kashim Shettima, the most senior political leader from the north has carried everyone along irrespective of religion.
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‎They acknowledged his roles in promoting peace and harmony within the north using diverse strategic interventions towards making sure that Christians are carried along.
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‎You will recall that Mr. President recently commented on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s loyalty and why people are envious.
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‎You will also recall that some groups have been asking him to drop Shettima ahead of 2027. It has now been confirmed that the President will not drop him either.
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We’ll Restore People-Friendly Government — Aregbesola

Former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has urged members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and residents of the state to take part actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

Aregbesola made the call on Sunday in Ilesa during the monthly stakeholders’ meeting of the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group under the ADC.

He said the exercise was crucial in the quest to enthrone good governance, stressing that only through active civic participation could the people ensure the emergence of leaders who would truly serve their interests.

“We are committed to restoring a people-friendly government and to making life more abundant for our people,” Aregbesola said.

The former governor added that the ADC remained determined to mobilize citizens across Osun State to embrace voter registration as a civic duty and as the foundation for political change.

He assured members that the party would continue to engage the electorate at the grassroots to consolidate its support base ahead of future elections. People-Friendly Government