By John Umeh
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Is Jonathan Plotting a 2027 Presidential Return Under PDP?
As political realignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stirred national conversation by publicly endorsing former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan over Labour Party leader Peter Obi as the most acceptable candidate to northern voters. The statement, which has already sparked intense reactions within political circles, highlights the growing speculation around Jonathan’s potential return to frontline politics.
Speaking at a political strategy session in Kaduna, the unnamed PDP chieftain argued that Jonathan remains the most politically viable and unifying figure capable of bridging the growing divide between the North and South. According to him, while Peter Obi has gained popularity among youths and urban voters, he lacks the grassroots network and deep-rooted trust required to secure broad-based support from the northern electorate.
“Jonathan is a known and trusted figure in the North,” the chieftain stated. “Despite past political disagreements, the northern political elite and traditional institutions still respect him for his statesmanship, humility, and peaceful handover in 2015. If the PDP is serious about reclaiming power, we must present a candidate the North can embrace—and that person is Jonathan, not Obi.”
While Peter Obi has yet to declare his interest in the 2027 race, his name remains central in national political discourse, especially among progressives and younger Nigerians who see him as a symbol of accountability and reform. However, the PDP insider claims that Obi’s perceived rigidity, lack of political alliances in the North, and recent fallout with northern leaders could prove to be major obstacles to his chances in a general election.
In contrast, the chieftain insisted that Jonathan’s legacy, particularly his respect for democratic norms and his efforts in conflict resolution across Africa, gives him a diplomatic edge and acceptability across all six geopolitical zones. “His international profile, combined with his calm demeanor and familiarity with the terrain, makes him a more strategic choice.”
The remarks have intensified speculations that certain factions within the PDP may be working behind the scenes to convince Jonathan to re-enter the presidential race, despite his long-standing silence on the matter. While the former president has not confirmed or denied any political ambition for 2027, he continues to enjoy relevance both domestically and abroad, recently participating in high-level peace missions across West Africa.
Reactions to the chieftain’s endorsement have been swift. Supporters of Peter Obi have pushed back, accusing the PDP of clinging to the past rather than embracing forward-thinking leadership. Others argue that Jonathan’s return could further fracture the opposition and work in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, the race for who controls the northern vote—a historically decisive factor in presidential elections—is already shaping up to be fiercely contested. Whether Jonathan will heed the calls to run, and how Obi’s growing influence might alter opposition dynamics, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the political chessboard is already in motion.
