Former President Goodluck Jonathan is preparing to pursue a return to Nigeria’s presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general election, according to a report by Vanguard.
According to the report, sources close to the former president confirmed that his camp settled on the PDP after what insiders described as prolonged consultations and political calculations aimed at identifying the most viable route back to power. According to the report, Jonathan’s supporters believe his return could help tackle worsening economic hardship and poverty across the country.
The development has reportedly triggered intense competition among several pro-Jonathan groups seeking to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form on his behalf. The party’s nomination form is said to cost N100 million, while the submission deadline is expected this week.
A senior figure within Jonathan’s circle, who spoke to Vanguard confidentially, said multiple organisations backing the former president are determined to secure the form before the deadline expires.
Among the groups said to be leading the push is the Goodluckan Movement, a diaspora-based organisation reportedly arguing that it represents Nigerians globally more effectively than northern political groups also backing Jonathan’s ambition.
Other organisations reportedly mobilising support for Jonathan include the Coalition for Jonathan, which has organised rallies urging him to contest; the Goodies Movement, an online political support network; and The New Nigeria (TNN), described as a mass movement with strong northern membership.
Additional groups named in the report include 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.
Insiders claimed each of the groups had expressed readiness to raise funds for the purchase of the nomination form.
Although Jonathan had previously told supporters calling on him to run that he would “consult widely” before making a final decision, Vanguard reported that sources within his camp now insist he has resolved to enter the race.
One of the prominent advocates for Jonathan’s candidacy, Dr. Tom Ohikere, urged the former president to “immediately pick a presidential nomination form of any party of your choice to contest the elections”.
Questions had earlier emerged over which political platform Jonathan might adopt for a possible comeback bid. That uncertainty reportedly prompted the PDP leadership under Turaki to publicly clarify that the former president had already met requirements to contest under the party.
PDP spokesperson, Barrister Ini Ememobong, reportedly stated that Jonathan completed his online registration with the party earlier in the year. He also dismissed speculation surrounding Jonathan’s political affiliation, noting that neither his media aides nor close associates had denied reports linking him to the PDP.
The report also recalled that in 2022, a northern almajiri group purchased an APC presidential nomination form for Jonathan at the cost of N100 million, though the former president later distanced himself from the move and the form was never submitted.
In a further sign of growing political activity around his potential candidacy, Jonathan has reportedly approached a Federal High Court in Abuja in response to a suit filed by a lawyer seeking to prevent him from contesting again on the grounds that he had already completed two terms in office.
The outcome of the court case could determine whether the former president will be eligible to challenge for a return to Aso Rock in 2027.
