How Northern power brokers plan to draft Jonathan for 2027 presidency
Some influential power brokers from northern Nigeria are reportedly making moves to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.
The plan is based on the idea that Jonathan, having served as president from 2011 to 2015, is only eligible for one more term of four years. Leading this initiative are a governor from the North-East and a retired general from the North-West, who believe Jonathan’s return could alter the political landscape in their favor.
According to sources, these leaders see Jonathan as a viable candidate who can appeal to both northern and southern voters. A source close to the group stated, “The leaders have weighed their options and see Jonathan as the most suitable candidate, considering he still has only four years left to serve, according to the 1999 Constitution.”
The plan is part of a broader effort to prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term. However, another faction within the northern political elite is backing a different southern politician for the 2027 election, further complicating the political dynamics.
While talks are still at an exploratory stage, the northern leaders behind the Jonathan-for-2027 project are reportedly intensifying their efforts. They are reaching out to key stakeholders across the country, seeking support from civil society groups, pro-democracy organizations, and political influencers.
“They are determined to stop what they perceive as Tinubu’s mismanagement of the country,” another insider revealed. “This coalition believes Jonathan’s candidacy can attract massive support from both the South and the North, especially given his goodwill in many parts of the country.”
Jonathan, who served as vice president from 2007 to 2010 under President Umaru Yar’Adua, became president after Yar’Adua’s death. He was subsequently elected in 2011. Since leaving office, he has focused on international diplomacy and efforts to promote peace and democracy worldwide.
Supporters of the plan believe Jonathan’s past experience in office, along with his reputation for statesmanship, makes him an appealing candidate for 2027. They argue that his leadership during his first term, especially his acceptance of defeat in the 2015 election, has earned him a place as a respected figure in Nigerian politics.
One political figure, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, had earlier expressed support for Jonathan’s return to the presidency. Mohammed, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under Jonathan’s administration, stated, “I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for the leadership of this country, unless he decides not to run.”
He added, “If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood. He has the experience, and we know he can do a better job given the current challenges the country faces.”
This is not the first time Jonathan has been at the center of political speculation. In 2023, there were efforts by certain northern leaders to draft him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate. However, Jonathan’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, quickly dispelled these rumors, stating that the former president had not authorized any such plans.
Despite this, the calls for Jonathan to return to office continue to grow, particularly among those who believe he can bring stability and competence back to Nigeria’s governance.
“We understand that Dr. Jonathan is being sought after because of the goodwill he enjoys in many parts of the country,” said a source. “The promoters of this move believe he can galvanize support from across the geopolitical zones, making him a strong contender for 2027.”
As political alignments shift ahead of the next election, the push for Jonathan’s return adds yet another layer of complexity to Nigeria’s already intricate political landscape.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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