Retired general, Northern Governor push to draft Jonathan for 2027 race

Influential political figures from northern Nigeria have launched efforts to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.

Their strategy is based on the fact that Jonathan, who served as president from 2011 to 2015, is eligible for one more four-year term.

The initiative is reportedly being led by a governor from the North East and a retired general from the North West. According to insiders, northern power brokers believe Jonathan’s candidacy would serve their collective interests.

Their plan hinges on the 1999 Constitution, which permits a maximum of two presidential terms for any individual.

The group’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to derail President Bola Tinubu’s plans for re-election.

However, a rival group comprising other northern politicians and influential figures is pushing for a different southern candidate, as both factions oppose Tinubu’s continued leadership.

The promoters of the Jonathan-for-2027 campaign have reportedly started engaging with key stakeholders, aiming to build support for the former Bayelsa governor, who has recently focused on international diplomacy and promoting democratic norms.

A source within the group revealed to Saturday Tribune that northern leaders backing Jonathan come from across the political spectrum and are united in their determination to counter what they perceive as Tinubu’s mismanagement of the country.

Additionally, the group is reaching out to like-minded individuals and organizations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including civil society and pro-democracy groups, in a bid to rally broader support.

Jonathan is seen as a strong candidate because of his prior experience as vice president (2007-2010) and president, following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Northern leaders believe he could gain widespread backing from southern states while also enjoying significant goodwill in the northern part of the country, even nine years after his presidency.

The push for Jonathan’s return gained momentum in August 2023 when reports emerged that key political figures were considering persuading him to run for the 2027 race.

This aligns with the stance of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, a former minister in Jonathan’s administration, who has publicly stated his willingness to step aside if Jonathan decides to run.

Mohammed, speaking at an event organized by the Save Africa Initiative, expressed his belief that Jonathan’s experience would make him an ideal candidate.

“With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition… I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for the leadership of this country unless he decides not to run… He will do a better job because he has the experience,” Mohammed said.

The push for Jonathan’s candidacy isn’t new. Before the 2023 presidential election, rumors circulated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was considering fielding him as its candidate, backed by several northern governors.

However, both the APC and Jonathan distanced themselves from these claims, with Jonathan’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, clarifying that the former president had no interest in running at the time:

“We wish to categorically state that Dr. Jonathan was not aware of this bid and did not authorize it,” Eze said in a statement.

APC officials, including then-national committee chairman Mai Mala Buni, dismissed the speculations, with Buni emphasizing that their interactions with Jonathan were simply out of respect for his status as a former president.

Buni added: “Our visit to Jonathan was pronounced because of his status as a former president… That could be why some may think there was something beneath it.”

Despite these earlier denials, the 2027 initiative suggests that political interest in Jonathan’s potential return to the presidency remains strong among northern power players.