2027 Presidency: Jonathan splits South-South PDP

Fmr. Nigeria's President, His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

-TOWARDS 2027-

2027 Presidency: Jonathan’s Rumored Comeback Splits South-South PDP

The political landscape of Nigeria’s South-South region is witnessing a seismic shift following reports of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential bid for the 2027 presidency.

Though Jonathan has yet to make a formal declaration, whispers of his return have stirred deep divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fracturing its unity across key states.

At the heart of the controversy lies Jonathan’s eligibility. A 2018 constitutional amendment prohibits individuals who have been sworn in twice from seeking the presidency again. However, a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Yenagoa affirmed Jonathan’s right to contest, citing that his initial swearing-in was to complete the term of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and thus does not count against the constitutional limit.

The PDP in Rivers State has become a battleground of opposing loyalties. The faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed Jonathan’s relevance, arguing that his time has passed and that President Bola Tinubu is already making strides in governance. In contrast, the camp loyal to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has welcomed the idea of Jonathan’s return, praising his legacy of peaceful power transition and national stability.

In Bayelsa, Jonathan’s home state, the PDP remains cautious. Acting Chairman George Turnah emphasized that any official stance would depend on Governor Douye Diri’s position and Jonathan’s formal declaration. Until then, the matter remains speculative.

Meanwhile, the PDP chapters in Edo and Delta States have expressed enthusiastic support. Edo’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, described Jonathan as “a breath of fresh air” and one of Nigeria’s most qualified leaders. Delta PDP leaders, including South-South PDP Caretaker Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, pledged their backing should Jonathan decide to run.

Akwa Ibom’s PDP leadership has adopted a wait-and-see approach, reserving judgment until Jonathan makes his intentions clear. The Ijaw Youth Council, while proud of Jonathan’s global reputation, has cautioned against his candidacy, warning that the politics of 2027 could be deceptive and urging him not to be lured into a contest.

Nationally, prominent PDP figures such as Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, former Governor Sule Lamido, and Professor Jerry Gana have urged Jonathan to return to the party and contest. Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, reportedly,  met with Jonathan in Bayelsa to discuss his potential comeback.

Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Jonathan’s camp has reportedly begun reaching out to other opposition figures, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, in hopes of forming a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress. While some sources claim Jonathan’s allies have asked Obi to step down for him, others close to Obi deny any such meeting has taken place.

As the PDP grapples with internal discord and constitutional debates, the question remains: will Jonathan make a definitive return to the political arena, and if so, can he unify a fractured party and mount a credible challenge in 2027? The answer, for now, hangs in the balance.