In a rapidly evolving political landscape, fresh moves to persuade former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to return to the political stage ahead of the 2027 general election are gaining significant momentum. The calls for his re-entry into active politics have ignited a heated debate across party lines, with supporters and critics presenting sharply contrasting views on the implications of such a comeback. Advocates argue that Jonathan’s experience, statesmanship, and international recognition make him a unifying figure capable of stabilizing Nigeria’s increasingly volatile polity. However, detractors warn that yielding to this pressure could tarnish his hard-earned global reputation as a symbol of peaceful democratic transition. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the debate over Jonathan’s potential candidacy is poised to dominate Nigeria’s political discourse, with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process, party dynamics, and zoning politics.
The Case for Jonathan’s Return
Supporters of Jonathan’s return to the political arena emphasize his credentials as a seasoned leader who can navigate Nigeria’s complex political and economic challenges. Since leaving office in 2015, Jonathan has maintained a relatively low profile in domestic politics, focusing instead on international engagements, including peacekeeping missions and election monitoring across Africa. His advocates argue that this global stature, combined with his experience as president from 2010 to 2015, positions him as a credible figure to address Nigeria’s current crises, which include economic stagnation, insecurity, and political polarization.
Proponents of his candidacy point to what they describe as his statesmanship during and after his presidency. Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election—a first in Nigeria’s history—earned him widespread admiration both domestically and internationally. This act of voluntarily handing over power after an electoral loss cemented his legacy as a leader committed to democratic principles. Supporters argue that this legacy, coupled with his reputation for humility and accessibility, makes him a unifying figure who can bridge Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, and regional divides.
“Jonathan remains a figure of immense credibility,” said a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who spoke on condition of anonymity. “His leadership style was inclusive, and his international recognition gives him an edge over many other potential candidates. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship and insecurity, we need someone with his experience to steer the ship.”
The calls for Jonathan’s return are not limited to the PDP, his former political platform. Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a smaller opposition party, have also publicly endorsed the idea. The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, described Jonathan’s potential return as a positive development for Nigeria’s democracy. “It is a good development. Former President Goodluck Jonathan has shown that he remains in good shape politically, and his return will not be strange,” Abdullahi told journalists. He drew parallels with global trends, citing the example of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to the political arena as evidence that such comebacks are not unprecedented. “Jonathan earned a place in Nigeria’s democratic history by conceding defeat and handing over after an election he lost in 2015. That singular act has strengthened our democracy. Therefore, it is within his right to return, and we believe his participation will further enrich the democratic process,” Abdullahi added.
Beyond party lines, some northern political leaders have also signaled their support for Jonathan’s potential candidacy. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent socio-political organization representing northern Nigeria, has argued that Jonathan has every constitutional right to contest the 2027 election. The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, told Daily Sun that the political ground is fertile for Jonathan’s return. “It is certainly an interesting development. It is also within the constitutional rights of the former President. The political scene is also fertile for any and all presidential and other hopefuls,” Muhammad-Baba said. He expressed hope that any campaign involving Jonathan would be issue-based and devoid of the blackmail, intimidation, or violence that have often marred Nigerian elections. “How the ensuing campaign will turn out, what he will promise the electorate, the persuasive appeals of such promises, etc., all remain to be seen. So, for now, potential voters wait in anticipation, hopefully of robust, issue-based, clean political campaigns,” he added.
Constitutional Eligibility and Political Context
Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2027 election is a critical factor fueling the debate. Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), a president can serve a maximum of two terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive. Jonathan served one full term from 2011 to 2015, having assumed the presidency in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua. Legal experts argue that this makes him constitutionally eligible to run for another term, a point emphasized by his supporters. “The Constitution is clear. Jonathan has only served one elected term as president. He is well within his rights to contest again,” said a Lagos-based constitutional lawyer, Barrister Femi Adebayo.
The political context for Jonathan’s potential candidacy is shaped by Nigeria’s current challenges and the dynamics within its major political parties. The All Progressives Congress (APC), which has been in power since 2015, has faced criticism for its handling of the economy, insecurity, and governance issues. Rising inflation, unemployment, and widespread insecurity—particularly in the form of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism—have fueled public discontent. Political analysts suggest that these challenges have created an opportunity for opposition parties to present a strong alternative in 2027.
However, the opposition, particularly the PDP, has struggled to maintain cohesion since its 2015 electoral loss. Internal divisions, leadership crises, and defections have weakened the party’s ability to mount a formidable challenge against the APC. Some analysts argue that Jonathan’s candidacy could serve as a unifying force for the PDP, given his broad appeal and lack of association with the party’s recent internal squabbles. Moreover, his potential to attract support from across regional and ethnic lines makes him an attractive candidate for opposition parties seeking to dislodge the APC.
The APC itself has not been immune to internal challenges. The party’s dominance has been attributed, in part, to its ability to weaken opposition structures through defections and political realignments. Some analysts speculate that the APC’s fragmentation could create space for a consensus candidate like Jonathan, particularly if he is positioned as a compromise figure capable of appealing to both northern and southern voters. “The APC has systematically dismantled opposition structures, but it is not without its own vulnerabilities,” said Dr. Chidi Okeke, a political analyst based in Abuja. “Jonathan’s candidacy could exploit these weaknesses, especially if he is marketed as a leader who transcends regional and ethnic politics.”
Critics’ Concerns: A Threat to Jonathan’s Legacy?
Despite the growing support for his return, critics argue that Jonathan’s re-entry into active politics could jeopardize his legacy as a symbol of democratic integrity. His decision to concede defeat in 2015 was widely hailed as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, setting a precedent for peaceful transitions of power. Many fear that a comeback attempt could expose him to the rough-and-tumble of Nigerian politics, potentially tarnishing his reputation. “Jonathan’s legacy is that of a statesman who put the nation above personal ambition,” said Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, a political commentator from Kano. “Returning to the political fray risks dragging him into the mud of partisan politics, which could erode the respect he has earned globally.”
Opponents also argue that the 2027 election should be an opportunity to usher in fresh leadership rather than recycling former leaders. Nigeria’s youth population, which constitutes a significant portion of the electorate, has increasingly demanded new faces in politics. Movements like #EndSARS in 2020 highlighted the frustrations of young Nigerians with the country’s political elite, whom they accuse of perpetuating governance failures. “The call for Jonathan’s return is a step backward,” said Chioma Nwankwo, a youth activist in Lagos. “We need leaders who represent the aspirations of the younger generation, not a return to the past.”
Another point of contention is the potential impact of Jonathan’s candidacy on Nigeria’s unwritten zoning arrangement, which seeks to rotate the presidency between the northern and southern regions. Jonathan, a southerner from Bayelsa State, served as president during a period when the South held the presidency. Some argue that his return could complicate the zoning formula, particularly if northern political leaders insist on retaining the presidency in 2027. “Zoning is a sensitive issue in Nigerian politics,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, a political science lecturer at the University of Jos. “Jonathan’s candidacy could reignite debates about regional balance, potentially deepening divisions within parties and across the country.”
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over Jonathan’s potential candidacy is expected to intensify. For now, the former president has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying his interest in returning to active politics. His reticence has only fueled speculation, with political actors and analysts closely watching his next move. “Jonathan is a cautious politician,” said Dr. Okeke. “He is unlikely to make a public statement until he has carefully weighed his options and assessed the political landscape.”
One of the key challenges Jonathan would face if he decides to run is navigating Nigeria’s complex political terrain. The country’s political parties are often characterized by shifting alliances, factionalism, and intense competition for power. For Jonathan to succeed, he would need to build a broad coalition that transcends regional, ethnic, and religious divides. His ability to attract support from both the PDP and other opposition parties, as well as disaffected members of the APC, will be crucial.
Another challenge is the question of campaign financing. Running a presidential campaign in Nigeria is an expensive endeavor, requiring significant financial resources to mobilize supporters, organize rallies, and counter opponents’ propaganda. While Jonathan’s international connections and goodwill could attract funding, he would need to carefully manage perceptions of his campaign to avoid accusations of being backed by vested interests.
On the opportunity side, Jonathan’s potential candidacy could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape. His reputation as a unifier could appeal to voters disillusioned with the current state of governance. Additionally, his experience in office gives him an advantage over less seasoned candidates, allowing him to present himself as a leader who understands the intricacies of governance. His international engagements also provide a platform to project Nigeria positively on the global stage, an asset that could resonate with voters concerned about the country’s image.
The Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy
The debate over Jonathan’s return raises broader questions about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. His potential candidacy highlights the tension between the desire for experienced leadership and the demand for fresh perspectives. It also underscores the challenges of maintaining a balance between regional interests and national unity in a diverse country like Nigeria. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the discourse surrounding Jonathan’s possible comeback will likely serve as a litmus test for the maturity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
For supporters, Jonathan’s return represents an opportunity to stabilize a nation in crisis. For critics, it risks reinforcing a cycle of recycled leadership that has hindered Nigeria’s progress. Regardless of the outcome, the debate has already sparked a national conversation about leadership, democracy, and the future of Nigeria’s political system.
As the political maneuvering intensifies, all eyes will be on Jonathan to see whether he will heed the calls to return or preserve his legacy as a statesman who prioritized the nation’s stability over personal ambition. With the 2027 elections still over a year away, the coming months will be critical in determining whether this fresh push for his comeback gains enough traction to reshape Nigeria’s political future.
