Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, is consulting his political allies about whether to run for president in 2027, sources close to him have said.
A source who worked with the former president while he was in office told Daily Trust that Jonathan’s core team had begun consultations to determine whether the call for him to contest enjoys wide support among Nigerians.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that the source said those urging Jonathan to contest believe he has the capacity to address the country’s challenges.
The source said, “People coming to ask Jonathan to join the presidential race have seen the situation in the country and believe that he has what it takes to turn things around. So, normally, the president will not want to tell them off, as he would not contest.
“But the issues surrounding the political space now is different from when Jonathan was president. The insecurity has increased. You can also see the state of the opposition political parties.
“So while the ex-president will want to come and do his part in the growth of the country, these are issues that he is considering and discussing with his allies, and hopefully in the next few days, he will make his position known.”
Udenta Declines Comment
One of Jonathan’s strong supporters ahead of the 2015 elections, Udenta Udenta, declined to comment on the former president’s possible ambition.
Udenta said Jonathan had not made up his mind and should be allowed to complete his consultations.
He said, “What do you want me to say since the man has said he is still consulting? You know, I’ve always supported Jonathan and Peter Obi, but one says he is consulting while the other is in the race.
“So, he has not yet made up his mind. Till then I cannot put words in his mouth.”
