In a significant political development that has sparked widespread discussion across Nigeria, former Minister of Information and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Professor Jerry Gana, has announced that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the 2027 presidential election as the PDP’s candidate. The revelation, which has set the stage for an intriguing political battle in the coming years, was made during a press interaction following the PDP’s state congress in Minna, Niger State, on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Gana’s statement has reignited debates about Jonathan’s political legacy, the PDP’s strategy for reclaiming power, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape as the nation approaches the next general election.
The Announcement and Its Context
Speaking to journalists after the successful conclusion of the PDP state congress in Minna, Gana expressed confidence in the party’s readiness to present Jonathan as its flagbearer in the 2027 presidential race. His remarks underscored the PDP’s determination to leverage Jonathan’s experience and reputation to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and address the pressing challenges facing Nigeria. Gana emphasized that Nigerians are yearning for a return to the leadership style and policies associated with Jonathan’s tenure, particularly in light of the perceived failures of subsequent administrations.
“In 2015, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians,” Gana stated, referencing Jonathan’s historic decision to concede defeat to Muhammadu Buhari after the 2015 presidential election, a move widely praised for preserving national stability. “After him, another president ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years. Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”
Gana’s bold declaration culminated in a firm commitment: “I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as the PDP candidate, and you will vote for him to return as president again.” The statement has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political sphere, prompting speculation about the PDP’s internal dynamics, Jonathan’s willingness to re-enter the fray, and the potential challenges and opportunities his candidacy could present.
Goodluck Jonathan’s Political Journey
To fully appreciate the significance of Gana’s announcement, it is essential to revisit Goodluck Jonathan’s political journey and the context of his previous presidency. Born on November 20, 1957, in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Jonathan rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most prominent leaders. A zoologist by training, he entered politics in the late 1990s, serving as deputy governor of Bayelsa State before becoming governor in 2005 following the impeachment of his predecessor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Jonathan’s ascent to the national stage came in 2007 when he was selected as the running mate to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua under the PDP banner. Following Yar’Adua’s death in 2010, Jonathan assumed the presidency as acting president before being sworn in as substantive president. He later won the 2011 presidential election, securing a full term in office. His presidency, which lasted from 2010 to 2015, was marked by a mix of achievements and challenges, shaping his legacy as a leader who prioritized peace and democratic principles but faced criticism over issues such as corruption and security.
One of Jonathan’s most defining moments came in 2015 when he lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. His decision to concede defeat before the official announcement of results was a landmark event in Nigeria’s democratic history, earning him widespread admiration both domestically and internationally. By prioritizing national unity over personal ambition, Jonathan set a precedent for peaceful transitions of power in a country with a history of electoral violence.
Since leaving office, Jonathan has maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on international diplomacy and peacebuilding efforts. He has served as a mediator in several African countries, earning recognition for his contributions to conflict resolution. However, his name has repeatedly surfaced in discussions about Nigeria’s political future, with many Nigerians expressing nostalgia for his leadership style, which they view as more inclusive and less polarizing than that of subsequent administrations.
The PDP’s Strategy and the Case for Jonathan’s Return
Gana’s announcement reflects a calculated move by the PDP to capitalize on Jonathan’s enduring popularity and the growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance. The PDP, which ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, has struggled to regain its footing since losing power to the APC in 2015. The party’s performance in the 2019 and 2023 elections, where it was defeated by Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, respectively, exposed internal divisions and strategic missteps that weakened its electoral prospects.
By positioning Jonathan as its candidate for 2027, the PDP aims to present a unifying figure who can appeal to a broad spectrum of Nigerians. Jonathan’s tenure is often remembered for policies such as the transformation agenda, which focused on economic diversification, infrastructure development, and agricultural reform. Initiatives like the YouWin program, which supported young entrepreneurs, and efforts to improve power supply left a positive impression on many Nigerians, despite challenges such as the Boko Haram insurgency and allegations of corruption.
Gana’s reference to the “clear difference” between Jonathan’s administration and those that followed suggests that the PDP is framing the 2027 election as a referendum on the APC’s performance. The Buhari administration (2015–2023) faced criticism for economic stagnation, rising insecurity, and a perceived lack of inclusivity, while the Tinubu administration, now in its second year as of September 2025, has been grappling with economic challenges, including inflation and currency depreciation. Against this backdrop, the PDP sees an opportunity to present Jonathan as a tested leader who can restore stability and foster national unity.
Moreover, Jonathan’s candidacy could help the PDP address regional dynamics. As a southerner from the South-South geopolitical zone, Jonathan may appeal to voters in the South who feel marginalized by the current administration. At the same time, his reputation as a statesman who prioritized peace could resonate with northern voters, particularly those disillusioned with the APC’s handling of security issues. The PDP’s decision to rally behind Jonathan also signals an attempt to consolidate its base and avoid the internal wrangling that plagued its previous campaigns.
Challenges and Controversies
While Jonathan’s potential candidacy has generated excitement among PDP supporters, it is not without challenges. One of the most immediate hurdles is the question of eligibility. Nigeria’s constitution limits presidents to two terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive. Jonathan served one full term (2011–2015) and part of Yar’Adua’s term (2010–2011), raising legal questions about whether he is eligible to run again. Constitutional scholars are divided on the issue, with some arguing that his partial term does not count toward the two-term limit, while others contend that he has already exhausted his eligibility.
The PDP will need to navigate this legal ambiguity carefully, as any challenge to Jonathan’s candidacy could lead to protracted litigation and damage the party’s campaign. Additionally, Jonathan himself has not publicly confirmed his intention to run, and Gana’s announcement may be a strategic move to gauge public reaction and pressure the former president into accepting the nomination. If Jonathan is reluctant to re-enter the political arena, the PDP risks being left without a clear plan B.
Another challenge is the perception of Jonathan’s presidency. While many Nigerians view his tenure favorably, particularly in comparison to subsequent administrations, others associate his government with corruption scandals, such as the alleged mismanagement of funds in the oil sector. The PDP will need to address these criticisms head-on, emphasizing Jonathan’s achievements while acknowledging and contextualizing the challenges of his presidency.
The APC, as the ruling party, is likely to mount a fierce campaign against Jonathan, portraying his potential return as a step backward. The party may argue that Nigeria needs fresh leadership to address contemporary challenges, rather than a return to a leader whose tenure ended a decade ago. Additionally, the APC’s control of federal resources and incumbency advantage could pose significant obstacles for the PDP, particularly in mobilizing grassroots support.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
Gana’s announcement has elicited a range of reactions from Nigerians across the political spectrum. Supporters of Jonathan have expressed enthusiasm, citing his humility, democratic credentials, and experience as reasons to back his candidacy. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with discussions about the prospect of a Jonathan presidency, with hashtags like #BringBackGEJ trending in some circles. Many Nigerians, particularly in the South-South and South-East, view Jonathan as a leader who prioritized inclusivity and economic growth, and they believe he could restore stability to a nation grappling with insecurity and economic hardship.
However, skeptics have raised concerns about the feasibility of Jonathan’s candidacy and the PDP’s motives. Some analysts argue that the announcement is a desperate attempt by the PDP to regain relevance after years of electoral setbacks. Others question whether Jonathan, now in his late 60s, has the energy and vision to tackle Nigeria’s complex challenges, from youth unemployment to climate change. There is also the risk that Jonathan’s candidacy could deepen regional and ethnic divisions, particularly if the APC nominates a northern candidate to counterbalance his southern roots.
The broader implications of Jonathan’s potential candidacy extend beyond the PDP and the 2027 election. His return could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, forcing other parties, including smaller ones like the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), to recalibrate their strategies. It could also reignite debates about power rotation, a contentious issue in Nigerian politics, as some regions may argue that the presidency should shift to a different geopolitical zone after Tinubu’s tenure.
The Road to 2027
As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general election, the PDP’s decision to back Jonathan signals the start of an intense political season. The party will need to unify its ranks, address legal and logistical challenges, and craft a compelling narrative to convince Nigerians that Jonathan is the right leader for the moment. Meanwhile, Jonathan himself will need to decide whether he is willing to re-enter the political fray, a decision that could define his legacy and shape Nigeria’s future.
For now, Gana’s announcement has set the stage for a high-stakes battle that will test the PDP’s resilience, the APC’s dominance, and the will of the Nigerian people. Whether Jonathan’s candidacy will materialize and whether it can galvanize the nation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the road to 2027 promises to be a defining chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
