Jonathan is eyeing a presidential comeback in 2027 through the PDP as the groups struggle to get nomination forms

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is preparing to return to the presidency of Nigeria on the People’s Democratic Party platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, Vanguard reports.

According to the report, sources close to the former president confirmed that his camp chose the PDP after what insiders described as prolonged consultations and political calculations aimed at identifying the most likely path to return to power. According to the report, Jonathan’s supporters believe Jonathan’s return could help address the worsening economic hardship and poverty across the country.

This development has reportedly sparked intense competition among several pro-Jonathan groups who want to purchase presidential nomination forms from the PDP in his name. The party’s nomination form is said to cost N100 million, while the deadline for submission is expected to be this week.

A senior figure in Jonathan’s circle, speaking confidentially to Vanguard, said many organizations supporting the former president were determined to get the forms before the deadline expired.

Among the groups said to be leading this effort is the Goodluckan Movement, a diaspora-based organization that reportedly argues that it represents Nigerian society globally more effectively than northern political groups that also support Jonathan’s ambitions.

Other organizations reportedly mobilizing support for Jonathan include the Coalition for Jonathan, which has organized rallies urging him to take part; Goodies Movement, an online political support network; and The New Nigeria (TNN), described as a mass movement with a strong membership in the north.

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Additional groups mentioned 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 claim each group has expressed its readiness to raise funds for the purchase of nomination forms.

Although Jonathan had previously told supporters asking him to run that he would “consult widely” before making a final decision, Vanguard reports that sources in his camp now insist that he has decided to run.

One of Jonathan’s candidacy supporters, Dr. Tom Ohikere, urged the former president to “immediately choose the form of presidential nomination of whichever party you choose to contest the election”.

Previously the question arose as to which political platform Jonathan might adopt for his possible comeback bid. The uncertainty reportedly prompted the PDP leadership under Turaki to publicly clarify that the former president had met the requirements to contest elections under the party.

PDP spokesperson, Barrister Ini Ememobong, reportedly stated that Jonathan had completed online registration with the party at the beginning of the year. He also dismissed speculation surrounding Jonathan’s political affiliations, and noted that neither the media nor his close associates have refuted reports linking him to the PDP.

The report also recalled that in 2022, an almajiri group in the north purchased the APC presidential nomination form for Jonathan at a cost of N100 million, although the former president later distanced himself from the act and the form was never submitted.

In a further sign of increasing political activity surrounding his potential candidacy, Jonathan has reportedly filed an application at the Federal High Court in Abuja in response to a lawsuit filed by a lawyer seeking to prevent him from running again on the grounds that he has completed two terms in office.

The outcome of the court case could determine whether the former president is eligible to file a lawsuit to return to Aso Rock in 2027.