2027: We’ll meet Jonathan in the Field - Tinubu

-Special Report-

We’ll Meet Jonathan in the Field, Says Tinubu

In a statement that has stirred political discourse across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signaled readiness to face former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election, should Jonathan choose to run.

The phrase “We’ll meet Jonathan in the field” has become emblematic of Tinubu’s confidence in his political machinery and his willingness to engage in a democratic contest, regardless of the opponent.

The backdrop to this declaration is a growing wave of speculation and pressure surrounding Jonathan’s potential return to the political arena. Reports indicate that northern political stakeholders and influential figures within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are actively courting Jonathan to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid. This movement has reignited debates about Jonathan’s eligibility, given the constitutional limits on presidential terms and his previous tenure from 2010 to 2015.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, added fuel to the conversation by stating that Jonathan’s eligibility hinges on a legal interpretation of the constitutional provisions. Onanuga emphasized that if Jonathan is deemed eligible, then the contest will be settled democratically at the polls, affirming, “We’ll meet Jonathan in the field”.

This statement is not merely rhetorical, it reflects the strategic posture of Tinubu’s camp. It suggests that the administration is not intimidated by the prospect of facing a seasoned political figure like Jonathan. Instead, it welcomes the challenge as part of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Meanwhile, PDP insiders are reportedly working behind the scenes to lure Jonathan back into the party fold. Their goal is to present a formidable alternative to Tinubu, banking on Jonathan’s legacy and appeal to certain regions of the country. The political calculus involves not just popularity, but also the ability to unify fractured opposition forces and galvanize voter enthusiasm.

As the 2027 election cycle looms, this emerging rivalry between two former presidents, one incumbent, the other potentially returning, could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape. 

Tinubu’s statement, bold and unambiguous, sets the tone for what may become one of the most consequential electoral battles in the country’s history.