2027 Bombshell: PDP Faction Moves to Draft Jonathan Back Into Presidential Race

Nigeria’s political atmosphere intensified on Friday after the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced plans to formally ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

According to reports, the faction is set to hold a Special National Convention in Abuja on Saturday where delegates and party stakeholders are expected to officially endorse Jonathan’s nomination as the party’s flagbearer.

The planned ratification follows a series of political moves by the Turaki-led faction, including the screening and clearance of Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant. The faction had earlier granted the former president a waiver based on his previous experience as deputy governor, governor, vice president, and president of Nigeria.

Although Jonathan has not publicly confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 election, sources within the faction insist preparations are already underway to position him as a major opposition figure ahead of the polls. During a recent interaction with supporters, the former president reportedly stated that presidential ambition “is not a computer game” and said he would continue consultations before making a final decision.

The development comes amid growing political realignments and internal divisions within opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle. Analysts say Jonathan’s possible return could significantly reshape the political landscape and introduce a fresh dimension to the race expected to feature President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other major opposition figures.

However, the move has also sparked controversy, with critics questioning the legal recognition of the Turaki-led PDP faction by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Some party stakeholders argue that the faction lacks official standing within the PDP structure, a claim that could trigger further legal and political battles in the coming months.

Despite the controversy, supporters of the move believe Jonathan’s entry into the race could energize opposition politics and attract Nigerians seeking an alternative direction for the country ahead of the 2027 elections.