2027: Ex-Bayelsa Accord Party Candidate Urges Opposition to Adopt Goodluck Jonathan After Summit Deal
A former Bayelsa State House of Assembly candidate, Engr. Francis Biobarakuma, has urged Nigeria’s opposition bloc to adopt former President Goodluck Jonathan as its consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential election, following reported agreements at the National Opposition Summit to field a single flagbearer.
Biobarakuma, who contested under the Accord Party, made the call in a Facebook post where he outlined his reasons for backing Jonathan as the most viable choice to lead a united opposition.
“I am very happy that the opposition has finally agreed to field one candidate. While the candidate hasn’t been mentioned, I would like to urge and advise the opposition on who that candidate should be and why.
While I agree that both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are credible candidates who have the respect and loyalty of their followers, I believe His Excellency, former President Goodluck Jonathan remains the best fit for the opposition to field in the 2027 presidential election.
My reasons are simple:
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He is experienced and knows what to do, having learned from past mistakes.
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He is a unifying politician. Jonathan remains widely accepted across every region in the country and is well respected internationally.
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He would likely be limited to a single term as a Southern candidate, helping to complete the zoning arrangement.
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Most importantly, he is a leader with empathy and compassion. These are qualities every president needs to drive meaningful development for the people.”
His position, as outlined in the post, comes amid ongoing political realignments within opposition circles, where stakeholders are seeking to consolidate support and avoid a repeat of fragmented electoral outcomes.
Addressing concerns over Jonathan’s perceived silence, Biobarakuma argued that the former president’s approach reflects principle rather than political weakness.
“I have heard many people say that Jonathan is a good candidate but should be more vocal and actively fight for the ticket, rather than expecting it to be handed to him.
In his defense, Jonathan is not a desperate politician, which we all witnessed when he conceded the 2015 presidential election. It is evident that he is not driven by desperation to become president again, but by a desire to see Nigeria work. Therefore, if called upon to serve once more by the opposition, I believe he will accept that call.
And in my opinion, that is the only ticket that can win convincingly against Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The statement adds to the growing debate around coalition politics, as figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar remain central to opposition calculations ahead of 2027.
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Analysts say the opposition’s success will depend on its ability to unify behind a candidate with national reach capable of mounting a strong challenge against incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
