Fresh indications have emerged that former President, Goodluck Jonathan, may be preparing for a return to Nigeria’s presidential race ahead of the 2027 general election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Sources close to the former president disclosed on Sunday that Jonathan’s camp had settled on the PDP after what insiders described as extensive consultations and strategic considerations over the most viable political platform for his possible comeback bid.
A senior official within Jonathan’s circle reportedly revealed that the former Nigerian leader was considering a return to power in response to worsening economic hardship and rising poverty across the country.
According to the source, supporters of Jonathan believe he possesses the experience and leadership qualities needed to stabilise the economy and improve governance.
The development has reportedly triggered intense competition among several pro-Jonathan support groups seeking to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form for the former president.
Naija News understands that the factionalised PDP fixed its presidential nomination form at ₦100 million, with the deadline for submission said to be Tuesday.
Sources disclosed that several groups loyal to Jonathan were racing against time to secure the form on his behalf.
One of the groups, identified as the Goodluckan Movement, a diaspora-based organisation, reportedly claimed it had a stronger right to purchase the form because it represents Nigerians across the globe more than some northern-based groups also backing the former president.
Among the groups reportedly mobilising support for Jonathan’s possible return are Coalition for Jonathan, which had previously organised youth visits to his office urging him to contest, and Goodies Movement, an online support network for the former president.
Others include The New Nigeria movement, said to have strong grassroots support in northern Nigeria, alongside groups such as the Almajiri Network, Arewa for Good Governance, Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance, Northern Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, Arewa for Better Government, and the North Youth Progressive Movement.
Sources further claimed that each of the groups had pledged to raise the ₦100 million required to obtain the PDP nomination form.
Despite earlier publicly stating that he would consult widely before making a final decision regarding the 2027 election, insiders now allege that Jonathan may have already resolved to contest.
The former president is reportedly hoping to persuade Nigerians to give him another opportunity to lead the country with promises of economic recovery and reduced hardship.
One of Jonathan’s prominent supporters, Tom Ohikere, had earlier urged him to immediately obtain a presidential nomination form “of any party of your choice” ahead of the election.
Questions over the political platform Jonathan would use intensified after several support groups openly appealed to him to join the race.
In response, the Turaki-led faction of the PDP reportedly stated that Jonathan had fulfilled the necessary requirements to contest under the party.
The faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, claimed the former president had already completed his online registration with the PDP.
Ememobong also dismissed speculations surrounding Jonathan’s party membership, noting that neither the former president nor his media team had denied the reports.
The latest development has revived memories of the 2022 political season when a northern Almajiri group purchased a ₦100 million presidential nomination form for Jonathan under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Jonathan later distanced himself from the move, and the form was eventually not submitted.
This time around, political observers believe Jonathan’s legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja may indicate a more serious intention to contest.
The former president recently approached the court seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a lawyer attempting to stop him from running again on the grounds that he had already served two terms in office.
The outcome of the case is expected to play a major role in determining whether Jonathan will be eligible to challenge the incumbent administration and potentially make a return to Aso Rock Presidential Villa in 2027.
Emmanuel Ukaoha is a web developer, Blogger, and SEO expert from Nigeria. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from Renaissance University, Enugu State, with Second Class Honors.