Fresh indications have emerged that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party amid growing calls from political support groups urging him to return to power.
Multiple sources close to the former president disclosed on Sunday that Jonathan had settled for the PDP after what insiders described as extensive consultations and strategic considerations on the most viable platform for his possible return to the Presidency.
According to the sources, the former president’s allies believe his return could help address worsening economic hardship and insecurity confronting the country.
The development has reportedly triggered intense lobbying among several support groups seeking to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form for Jonathan ahead of the party’s deadline for submission.
A source familiar with the discussions said different groups backing the former president had begun mobilising funds to secure the party’s N100m nomination form.
Among the groups said to be championing the move are the Coalition for Jonathan, Goodies Movement, The New Nigeria movement, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government and the Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance.
The source also disclosed that a diaspora-based group known as the Goodluckian Movement had expressed interest in obtaining the form for Jonathan, insisting it represented Nigerians across different parts of the world.
Although Jonathan has yet to publicly declare his intention to contest, insiders claimed he had become more receptive to the growing pressure from supporters who believe he should return to the political scene.
The former president had earlier told some groups that visited him that he would consult widely before taking a final decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, the PDP leadership is said to have intensified moves to position the former president as a major contender ahead of the 2027 poll.
The party’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, reportedly confirmed that Jonathan had completed his online registration with the PDP earlier this year, dismissing speculations surrounding his political affiliation.
Jonathan’s possible return has also reignited legal debates over his eligibility to seek another term in office.
Reports indicated that the former president had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge a suit seeking to bar him from contesting on the grounds that he had already served two terms.
Jonathan, who served as president between 2010 and 2015, lost his re-election bid to former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 general election.
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