Goodluck Jonathan Plots 2027 PDP Run Amid Sharp Criticism

When Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria hinted at another presidential bid, the political chatter in Abuja turned electric. The hint came in a Western Post commentary by journalist Kola Amzat published just 11 hours ago, and it’s already sparking debate across the country. The piece, titled with a vivid metaphor about a dog ignoring the hunter’s horn, suggests Jonathan might be positioning himself for the 2027 Nigerian presidential electionNigeria. 

Historical Context: From 2015 Defeat to 2027 Ambitions

Back in the bruising 2015 runoff, Jonathan conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari, famously saying his personal ambition was "not worth the blood of Nigerians." That moment, captured on live television, marked the end of an eight‑year presidency often marred by accusations of wasteful spending, power‑grid blackouts, and the Boko Haram insurgency. Yet, even as he left the State House, Jonathan maintained a low‑key presence in party affairs, often acting as a kingmaker behind the scenes.

Fast‑forward twelve years, and the same name resurfaces, this time under the banner of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The party, which ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, is desperate to reclaim the Oval Office after three election losses. Party elders argue that a familiar face could unify the fractured coalition, but critics warn that history may repeat itself.

Current Developments: Jerry Gana’s Confirmation and the PDP Strategy

Speaking to reporters in Lagos on Tuesday, Jerry Gana, a senior PDP figure and former minister of agriculture, said, "We have been in consultation for months. Goodluck has agreed to lead the party’s ticket for 2027." Gana’s comment was not a casual remark; it was delivered at a press briefing organized by the party’s national chairman, suggesting formal consensus rather than a speculative whisper.

Gana added that the PDP’s internal primaries, slated for late 2025, would be streamlined to avoid the factional infighting that plagued the 2019 primary. "The goal is a united front," he insisted, "and Goodluck’s experience could be the glue that holds us together."

Reactions from Party Insiders and Opposition Figures

Within the PDP, reactions are mixed. Uche Nnaji, a rising star in the party’s youth wing, told Daily Trust that the move feels like "a step backward," arguing that younger candidates need a platform to rejuvenate the party’s image. "We’re not a museum," Nnaji said, "we need fresh ideas, not just nostalgia."

On the opposition side, President Muhammadu Buhari, now retired but still an influential figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed the speculation as "political theater" during a televised interview on Channels TV. "Nigeria has moved on," he remarked, "the electorate is tired of the same old faces."

Expert Analysis: What the 2027 Landscape Could Look Like

Political scientist Dr. Aisha Bello of the University of Abuja noted that Jonathan’s potential candidacy could reshape the election's dynamics. "If Jonathan runs, the PDP may consolidate the Christian‑south vote while trying to make inroads in the North," she explained. "However, the lingering memory of his administration’s alleged corruption could alienate swing voters."

Economist Olumide Akinyemi warned that any repeat of past fiscal mismanagement would be a disaster for Nigeria’s fragile recovery from the 2020 recession. "The IMF still flags high public debt," he said, "and voters are becoming more financially literate. They’ll judge candidates on economic competence, not just party loyalty."

Future Outlook: Scenarios for the 2027 Election

1. Jonathan wins the PDP primary and runs: The election becomes a rematch of 2015, with regional voting patterns re‑emerging. International observers could raise concerns about the fairness of the campaign, given the controversial legacy of the former president.
2. Jonathan steps aside for a younger PDP candidate: The party could present a revitalized image, possibly attracting undecided urban voters, but it risks internal dissent from Jonathan’s loyal camp.
3. The APC fields a strong, unified candidate: If the opposition can maintain cohesion, it may capitalize on anti‑incumbency sentiment and secure a third consecutive term.

Regardless of the path, the upcoming primary season will be fiercely contested. Analysts expect high‑profile debates, legal challenges over candidacy eligibility, and perhaps even a resurgence of the judiciary’s role in political disputes — a pattern we saw during the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Background Deep Dive: The Obasanjo‑Jonathan Rivalry

To understand the current intrigue, one must recall the long‑standing rivalry between Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. After Obasanjo stepped down in 2007, he remained a political heavyweight, often publicly criticizing his successors. During Jonathan’s tenure, Obasanjo accused the government of "terrorizing" the nation through fuel subsidies and corruption scandals.

In a 2014 interview, Obasanjo warned, "If Goodluck does not learn from the mistakes of the past, the country will pay the price." Those words echo in Amzat’s article, where the hunting‑horn metaphor serves as a modern retelling of that cautionary tale. Whether Jonathan will heed that warning remains the central question for voters.

Key Takeaways

• Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly preparing a 2027 presidential run under the PDP, according to senior party figure Jerry Gana.
• The move revives debates about Jonathan’s 2015 concession and his administration’s mixed legacy.
• Younger PDP members express concern over the party’s reliance on legacy figures.
• Opposition leaders dismiss the speculation as political posturing.
• Experts warn that economic and regional dynamics will heavily influence the 2027 outcome.