Former President Goodluck Jonathan is preparing to return to the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, according to reliable information gathered by Vanguard on Sunday.
A senior member of Jonathan’s inner circle confirmed that the decision to run under PDP came after long discussions focused on where he has the strongest chance of winning. The goal, according to the source, is to return to power and address worsening hardship, poverty, and economic pressure facing the country.
The confirmation of PDP as his chosen platform has already triggered intense activity among multiple support groups competing to raise the 100 million naira required for the party’s presidential nomination form. The form is reportedly being sold by a divided faction of the party, and the deadline for submission is set for Tuesday.
The source revealed that several groups are racing against time to secure the form on Jonathan’s behalf. Among them is the Goodluckan Movement, made up of Nigerians in the diaspora, which argues it represents a broader national and global support base. Other active groups include the Coalition for Jonathan, which has mobilised large youth rallies in the past, the Goodies Movement, an online support network, and The New Nigeria movement, known for its wide membership base, especially in northern Nigeria.
Additional groups involved in the push 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. Each group has reportedly pledged to contribute or raise the full 100 million naira needed to secure the nomination form.
Despite earlier public hesitation, insiders say Jonathan has already made up his mind to contest in 2027, believing he can win the election and restore economic stability. He had previously told supporters who urged him to run that he would consult widely before making a final decision.
A prominent supporter, Dr Tom Ohikere, had publicly urged him to immediately obtain a presidential nomination form under any political party of his choice.
The PDP has also moved to clarify Jonathan’s political status. Party spokesman Barrister Ini Ememobong confirmed that Jonathan completed his online registration with the party earlier in the year and said there has been no official denial from the former president or his close associates regarding his membership.
The development comes after past controversy in 2022, when a northern support group purchased a 100 million naira nomination form for Jonathan under the All Progressives Congress, a move he later rejected, and the form was never submitted.
In a further sign of seriousness about his 2027 ambition, Jonathan has reportedly approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge a legal effort seeking to bar him from contesting on the grounds that he has already served two terms as president. The outcome of the case is expected to play a key role in determining whether he can legally join the race and attempt a return to Aso Rock.
