2027 Election Shockwaves: Jonathan’s Silence Sparks Nationwide Speculation

The debate over control of power and governance at the centre ahead of the 2027 presidential election has taken a dramatic turn, as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly moves to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the race after zoning its ticket to the South, according to IReporter Online.

This is not the first time such a plan has been considered. The PDP toyed with the idea before the 2019 election, but Jonathan swiftly dismissed it then, saying he had no interest in running.

This time, however, he has not ruled it out.

Efforts by journalists to reach Jonathan’s spokesman, Mr Ikechukwu Eze, have so far been unsuccessful, but multiple PDP sources, including former aides from Jonathan’s presidency, confirmed the development.

One source told reporters, “I can confirm to you that it is true. We want him to run. Consultations are still ongoing.”

Political insiders told reporters that Jonathan is being preferred over other potential candidates, such as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, because he would be constitutionally limited to one term if elected—thus giving northern politicians a chance to reclaim power in 2031, according to IReporter Online.

However, the plan faces strong caution from northern groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), whose spokesperson warned voters not to be swayed by the so-called “one-term bait.”

The ACF stressed that the north is politically diverse and does not vote as a single bloc.

Legal experts are also divided. Some argue that Jonathan is barred by constitutional provisions from running again, citing Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

Others insist that the amendment introducing this restriction, which came into effect in 2019, cannot be applied retroactively to disqualify him. Notably, a Federal High Court ruling in Yenagoa had previously declared Jonathan eligible to contest the presidency.

The question of his eligibility, therefore, may ultimately be settled in court. Meanwhile, political strategists believe that northern power blocs see Jonathan as a “strategic candidate” who could serve just one term, stopping Tinubu’s momentum while sidelining Atiku—a calculation that could reshape the 2027 race, according to IReporter Online.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”