T he opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced its support for former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the presidential race in 2027. This development follows increasing rumors of dissatisfaction among northern elites and politicians with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, leading to a growing call for change in the next election.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, recently expressed his support for Jonathan’s potential candidacy, even stating that he would forgo his own presidential ambitions if Jonathan decided to run. Mohammed, who served as a minister in Jonathan's administration, believes the former President possesses the experience necessary to revive the economy and would do a commendable job if given another term.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, echoed the sentiments of the Bauchi governor and northern elites, emphasizing that Jonathan’s previous presidency demonstrated qualities of leadership, nationalism, and integrity, which are crucial for the nation’s recovery.
However, this move may stir internal conflicts within the PDP, particularly with former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who has been a recurring contender for the presidency. Abdullahi dismissed concerns about Atiku’s reaction, stating that the party’s direction is not determined by any single individual but by the collective interest of the party and the nation.
On the other hand, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the PDP’s plans as premature and unfounded. The APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, asserted that the party remains confident in its current leadership and that any challenge from Jonathan would not pose a significant threat, given that the APC had previously defeated him in 2015 when he was the incumbent President.
As discussions and speculations about the 2027 presidential race begin to surface, it remains uncertain whether Jonathan will accept the call to run, as his camp has yet to make an official statement.
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