BREAKING: Groups Move To Draft Jonathan Into 2027 Presidential Race, May Obtain PDP Nomination Form Monday
Fresh political moves surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan intensified on Sunday as indications emerged that some interest groups may obtain the Peoples Democratic Party presidential nomination form on his behalf on Monday ahead of the 2027 general election.
Multiple sources who spoke to PulseNets reported that preparations were ongoing within certain political circles to secure the PDP presidential nomination form for the former Nigerian leader.
“Goodluck Jonathan will pick up PDP nomination form on Monday,” one of the sources told PulseNets.
However, a close associate of the former president downplayed the growing speculation, explaining that while several political groups and supporters were mounting pressure on Jonathan to return to active politics, there was still uncertainty surrounding any immediate decision.
“What’s happening is that various groups are pushing for him, but it’s unclear whether anything will happen tomorrow or not,” the source in Jonathan’s camp told PulseNets.
The development comes amid rising political conversations over Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 elections.
PulseNets learnt that the former president recently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to dismiss a suit seeking to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Jonathan, through his counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), challenged the competence of the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, shortly after proceedings commenced before Justice Peter Lifu on Friday.
Court documents obtained by PulseNets showed that Jonathan’s legal team informed the court that it had already filed a conditional appearance, notice of preliminary objection, counter affidavit, and written address on May 5, 2026, urging the court to strike out the suit.
According to Uche, the former president only became aware of the legal action through media reports, prompting an urgent response because of the sensitive constitutional questions surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the next presidential election.
The senior advocate reportedly described the suit as unnecessary and legally defective, arguing that courts had already addressed similar constitutional questions in earlier cases up to the Court of Appeal.
Earlier during proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, told the court that the matter was initially scheduled for mention but disclosed that he had just been served with Jonathan’s legal processes in court and would need time to study and respond appropriately.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 11 for hearing of Jonathan’s objection alongside the substantive suit.
The court also directed that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, both listed as defendants in the matter but absent during proceedings.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, the plaintiff is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The plaintiff further asked the court to prevent INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated presidential candidate should he eventually emerge.
The legal dispute is unfolding amid increasing speculation over Jonathan’s possible political comeback, especially after recent remarks credited to the former president during an interaction with young Nigerians who appealed to him to contest in 2027.
Sources familiar with the development previously told PulseNets that Jonathan had already signalled openness to consultations regarding the race and could formally declare his position soon.
While responding to the calls from the youths, Jonathan cautioned that the presidency should not be treated casually.
“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is in Nigeria, that the young people will have hope,” Jonathan said.
The former president also urged Nigerian youths to remain patriotic and committed to national unity, warning that lack of patriotism could weaken any nation.
“I urge you to continue to be patriotic to the country. It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation, take the money to anywhere to enjoy their life,” he said.
“So you must be patriotic. And things are very, very clear. The key thing we need in this country is peace.”
Jonathan further encouraged young Nigerians to actively participate in elections by obtaining their voter cards and engaging fully in the democratic process, while lamenting Nigeria’s low voter turnout compared to other African countries where he had monitored elections.
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“And as youths, we will continue to advocate for that. It’s very dear to us, peaceful elections. And indeed you, as young people, must continue to be fully involved in the electoral processes, especially your right to vote,” Jonathan said.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries. Some have been there two times. And even in Southeast Asia, Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle. We have the highest voter apathy.”
“And it shows us that people are not even interested in the elections. We have the worst, the least. I’ve never been to a country that has the low numbers we have, in terms of percentage of voters,” he added.
