PDP Shocks Nigeria, Crowns Jonathan 2027 Candidate Without His Consent — Tinubu Camp Put On Alert
By Passman Akpos
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been officially announced as the presidential candidate of the Makinde-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general election, despite not publicly declaring his intention to contest.
The announcement was made during an affirmation ceremony attended by leaders and supporters of the faction. However, Jonathan was notably absent from the event, fueling fresh speculation over his political future and whether he will eventually accept the nomination.
In a symbolic move, the certificate of return issued to the former president was handed over to Fred Agbedi, a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, to hold in trust pending Jonathan’s final decision on entering the race
The development comes amid growing political momentum surrounding Jonathan’s possible return to active politics. Agbedi had earlier declared that Jonathan’s entry into the 2027 presidential contest would dramatically alter Nigeria’s political equation and shake up existing alliances across party lines.
Speaking on a television political programme earlier this week, the Bayelsa lawmaker argued that Jonathan remains the most qualified and experienced figure capable of steering Nigeria out of its current economic and security challenges.
According to Agbedi, the former president is now better prepared for leadership than ever before and possesses the competence, experience and national appeal needed to unite the country.
“It means so much; it will upset the entire political atmosphere,” Agbedi said while reacting to reports linking Jonathan with a possible presidential comeback.
The lawmaker maintained that many Nigerians are increasingly looking toward Jonathan as a stabilizing force following years of economic hardship, insecurity and political uncertainty under successive administrations.
Agbedi further asserted that Jonathan would contest under the PDP platform if he accepts the nomination, potentially joining a crowded field of presidential hopefuls expected to challenge incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The renewed push for Jonathan’s candidacy gained further momentum after a recent court ruling reaffirmed his eligibility to seek the presidency.
A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit seeking to bar the former president from participating in the 2027 election. Delivering judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu Lifu ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the case and described the suit as an abuse of court process.
The court subsequently imposed financial penalties against the plaintiff and reaffirmed earlier judicial decisions that had upheld Jonathan’s constitutional right to contest for office.
Political analysts say the former president’s potential return is already generating intense debate nationwide, with many predicting that his eventual decision could trigger major realignments, reshape opposition strategies and significantly influence the battle for the presidency in 2027.
For now, however, the biggest question remains whether Jonathan will formally accept the nomination and officially declare his intention to challenge for Nigeria’s highest office once again.
