Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly preparing to return to the presidential race ahead of the 2027 general election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerging as the platform expected to drive his comeback bid.
Multiple political groups backing the former president are already mobilising support and raising funds to secure the PDP presidential nomination form for him, following growing consultations within his camp over the past few months.
A senior official within Jonathan’s political circle confirmed that the decision to align with the PDP came after what was described as “careful political calculations” on where his chances of returning to power would be strongest.
The source said the former president believes the country is currently facing deep economic hardship, rising poverty and insecurity, adding that Jonathan is convinced he can provide experienced leadership if elected again.
According to insiders, several support groups have intensified pressure on the former president to formally declare his ambition before the PDP nomination deadline expires.
Among the groups pushing for his candidacy are the Coalition for Jonathan, The New Nigeria Movement, Goodies Movement, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan and other northern-based political organisations.
A diaspora-backed movement known as the Goodluckian Movement is also reportedly lobbying to purchase the nomination form for the former president, arguing that its membership cuts across different countries and regions.
Sources within the PDP said the growing agitation by pro-Jonathan groups has already triggered fresh political calculations within the opposition party, especially as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.
The PDP nomination form is expected to cost about N100 million.
Despite the mounting pressure, Jonathan has yet to publicly declare his intention to run. However, those close to him insist consultations are ongoing and that he has become more receptive to the idea of returning to active politics.
The development has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
While some political stakeholders insist Jonathan has the constitutional right to seek office again, others warned that returning to the current political environment could affect the image he built after leaving office in 2015.
Groups and leaders that reacted to the reports include Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, the Christian Association of Nigeria and several northern political stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the PDP has reportedly confirmed that Jonathan remains a registered member of the party.
The party’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, was said to have clarified that the former president completed his PDP registration earlier in the year, dismissing speculations surrounding his political affiliation.
Jonathan’s possible return has also reopened legal and constitutional debates over whether he is eligible to contest another presidential election after previously serving as president.
The former president has reportedly approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 election on the grounds that he had already completed two terms in office.
However, it is believe the outcome of the case could shape the direction of the 2027 presidential race and determine whether Jonathan can officially return to the ballot.
