2027: Goodluck Jonathan Ambition Unsettles Tinubu Camp
Speculation over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2027 political ambition under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn, stirring fresh tension within the ruling camp of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Documents obtained by PulseNets show that Jonathan was on Monday dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged plan to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
A few days earlier, former Minister of Information and PDP stalwart Professor Jerry Gana reportedly confirmed during a party gathering in Minna that Jonathan would contest as the PDP’s presidential flag bearer.
According to Gana, “Nigerians have now seen the difference. They are asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. I can confirm he will contest in 2027.”
Since that statement, PulseNets gathered that the Presidency has shown visible discomfort over Jonathan’s rumored comeback.
A lawyer, Mr. Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, has filed a suit (marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025) seeking a court order disqualifying Jonathan from the race. The case asks the court to restrain the ex-president from presenting himself for nomination and to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting his name for the 2027 contest.
Jonathan, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation were listed as first, second, and third defendants respectively.
The suit hinges on the question of whether, under Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan is constitutionally eligible to contest again.
Presidency Labels Jonathan’s Tenure “Disastrous”
Reacting to the growing buzz, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in a statement obtained by PulseNets described Jonathan’s past administration as “a disaster devoid of clear economic direction.”
He challenged the ex-president to “face the court and the people if he intends to return.”
Onanuga argued that Jonathan’s government “engaged in reckless spending and crippled the economy,” adding that the court would decide whether the former leader, who was sworn in twice, could seek another term under the current constitution.
Jonathan first assumed office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later won the 2011 election before losing in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari.
‘Abuse of Court Process’ — Senior Advocate Faults Suit
Speaking to PulseNets, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Oba Maduabuchi dismissed the new suit as “an abuse of court process,” explaining that the same issue had been settled by a Yenagoa court whose judgment remains unchallenged.
He stated, “Until that decision is overturned, anyone trying to reopen the case is merely abusing the process of the court.”
The SAN maintained that Section 137(3) did not exist when Jonathan first took the oath in 2010, meaning the amendment cannot apply retroactively.
APC Mocks PDP: ‘Jonathan Needs an Overdose of Good Luck’
In Lagos, the All Progressives Congress (APC) mocked the PDP’s alleged plan to bring Jonathan back.
In a statement made available to PulseNets, APC spokesman Seye Oladejo quipped that, “If he chooses to run, Jonathan will need more than an overdose of good luck to win. The landmines before him—legal and political—are numerous.”
‘They’ll Rubbish You’ — Kenneth Okonkwo Warns Jonathan
Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo told PulseNets that Jonathan should “stay away from the 2027 race for his own good.”
Okonkwo argued that a return bid would expose him to the same forces that, in his words, “almost destroyed his name before.”
‘The Voice of the Devil Not Far from God’ — Bishop Kukah Cautions Jonathan
PulseNets also recalls that Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah had earlier advised Jonathan to reflect deeply before considering another run.
At a recent Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Kukah praised Jonathan’s 2015 concession as “a divine call to peace,” but warned, “The voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God. Listen carefully to those who wish to use you for their own interests.”
‘APC, Tinubu Camp Clearly Jittery’ — Analyst
A Public Affairs Analyst at Peaceland University, Dr. Nduka Odo, told PulseNets that the APC and Tinubu’s camp are jittery over speculation that Jonathan may return in 2027.
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According to him, “No one sees a threat to their source of power and stays calm. Jonathan and Peter Obi represent political risks the ruling camp can’t ignore.”
He added that the administration’s attacks on potential opponents were “driven by fear, not principle.”
