The controversy surrounding the possible return of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to the 2027 presidential race has once again taken centre stage in Nigeria’s political arena. As debates over his eligibility resurface, the situation is fast becoming a recurring chapter in every pre-election season since his exit from office in 2015.
For many observers, the mention of Jonathan’s name ahead of major elections has become a routine a familiar drama that unfolds every four years. From the buildup to the 2019 and 2023 elections, and now as 2027 approaches, his name continues to dominate political discussions and stir speculation across party lines.
A History of Denials and Renewed Interest
Back in 2019, rumours that Jonathan was planning a comeback against then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari filled the airwaves until he publicly dismissed them. He admitted being touched by the outpouring of support from Nigerians but maintained that he had moved on.
“I am not God, but I sincerely doubt the possibility,” he said at the time, explaining that he was humbled by the calls for his return but had no intention of running again.
He also reminded supporters that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had already zoned the presidency to the North and the national chairmanship to the South, making his candidacy unrealistic.
Despite those clarifications, speculation returned in 2023 when a coalition of northern cattle breeders controversially purchased nomination and expression of interest forms for him under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though the gesture sparked nationwide debate, Jonathan quickly distanced himself, saying he neither knew about nor authorised the action.
His spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, stressed that Jonathan would never re-enter the race “through the back door,” insisting that if he wanted to run, he would make his decision public.
Fresh Calls and Renewed Pressure
The calls for Jonathan to rejoin the race have grown louder once again. From senior PDP figures such as Professor Jerry Gana to grassroots supporters, voices urging him to return have intensified. Gana even declared confidently that Jonathan would be the PDP’s flagbearer in 2027, claiming that Nigerians had now seen “the difference” between his administration and those that followed.
However, the PDP leadership swiftly debunked this assertion. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that Gana’s comments did not represent the party’s position. He emphasised that while Jonathan remains a respected member of the PDP, the party is home to many capable leaders and governors who have demonstrated strong governance and could equally step up to national leadership.
Silence and Mixed Signals
True to his reserved nature, Jonathan has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the growing rumours. His wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, however, appeared to shut down the idea of a political comeback. During a recent public appearance, she said she preferred peace over the pressures of political life, even pledging to support First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
“The distress of Nigeria is too much. If God has brought you out of it, you should glorify Him. I am not going back to the Villa,” she said firmly.
But Jonathan’s silence and his recent meetings with opposition figures such as former Senate President David Mark and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi has only fuelled more speculation about his possible return.
The Legal Cloud Over His Eligibility
Central to the controversy is the long-standing constitutional question: can Jonathan legally contest again? Legal experts remain divided over the interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that anyone who has completed another person’s presidential term can only be elected once more.
Senior lawyers such as Femi Falana (SAN) have argued that Jonathan is disqualified under this provision, having first assumed office after President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s death. Others, including Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Abdul Mahmud, disagree, insisting that the law cannot be applied retroactively since the amendment came after Jonathan’s first tenure began.
Until a definitive court ruling or constitutional clarification emerges, the question of his eligibility will continue to shadow any potential candidacy.
A Divided Public Perception
Jonathan’s record remains a mixed bag. To some Nigerians, his tenure symbolises a period of relative freedom and stability compared to recent years of economic hardship and insecurity. To others, he represents missed opportunities, indecision, and weak leadership during a critical period marked by the rise of Boko Haram insurgency and corruption scandals.
Still, nostalgia appears to be working in his favour. Many citizens, disillusioned by the state of the nation, now see him as a more tolerable alternative even if that means returning to what they once rejected.
The Party Question and Political Calculations
Should Jonathan decide to re-enter the race, the next big question would be: on which platform? While his historical loyalty lies with the PDP, insiders hint that other parties notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are keeping their doors open for him.
A senior ADC member recently suggested that clearer indications of Jonathan’s next political move could emerge before the end of the month, hinting at behind-the-scenes consultations.
Regardless of the outcome, his potential return promises to reshape Nigeria’s 2027 political landscape reviving old debates, reopening constitutional battles, and testing the resilience of both the PDP and the Nigerian electorate’s appetite for nostalgia over reform
