- Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s reported interest in the 2027 presidency triggered divisions across South-South PDP chapters
- While Delta and Edo PDP backed Jonathan’s return, Rivers and Bayelsa leaders remained divided or non-committal amid internal rift
- Legal opinions and Niger Delta groups like PANDEF and IYC voiced differing views, debating Jonathan’s eligibility and political legacy
The reported 2027 presidential ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan has sparked division within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South region, with party leaders and stakeholders expressing mixed reactions.
Although Jonathan has not formally declared his intention to run, aides close to the former president have reportedly confirmed he is consulting widely. Reports indicate that Jonathan has been approached by multiple political parties, including the PDP, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to consider running in the 2027 election.
The development has deepened internal party divisions, especially in Rivers State, where factions loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara have taken opposing positions. While Wike’s camp dismissed Jonathan’s potential candidacy, Fubara’s allies expressed support, citing his past performance as president.
In Bayelsa, Jonathan’s home state, the PDP has remained non-committal, awaiting a formal position from Governor Douye Diri, who is considered the party leader in the state. Acting state PDP chairman George Turnah said the matter remained speculative and that any official party position would depend on Jonathan’s formal declaration.
Meanwhile, the Edo and Delta State chapters of the PDP have expressed openness to Jonathan’s return. The Edo PDP described him as “a breath of fresh air,” while Delta PDP leaders, including South-South PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, pledged full support should he decide to run.
In Akwa Ibom, PDP leaders said they would wait for Jonathan’s formal declaration before taking a stand. State Chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan noted that the former president has not informed the party of any political plans.
The 2027 speculation also comes amid legal debates over Jonathan’s eligibility. A 2018 constitutional amendment bars anyone who has been sworn in as president twice from running again. However, a 2022 Federal High Court judgment in Yenagoa affirmed that Jonathan is eligible to contest, since he was only elected once and completed the term of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua before winning his own mandate in 2011.
Reactions have also emerged from other stakeholders in the region. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) reaffirmed its stance that the South should retain the presidency in 2027, warning northern politicians like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against running. However, PANDEF stopped short of endorsing Jonathan, stating it would assess all southern candidates based on their track records and contributions to the Niger Delta before making a decision.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) expressed mixed sentiments. While stating it would support Jonathan as an Ijaw son if he runs, IYC President Jonathan Lokpobiri advised against a return bid, suggesting it could tarnish the former president’s global reputation and urging him to remain an elder statesman.
Efforts to reach the Rivers PDP faction aligned with Governor Fubara were unsuccessful, but former federal lawmaker Ogbonna Nwuke, an ally of the governor, endorsed Jonathan’s right to contest, describing him as a respected leader who governed peacefully and handed over power without conflict.
As political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the PDP leadership continues to face mounting pressure to unite its ranks amid growing support and opposition surrounding Jonathan’s potential comeback.
Tinubu's re-election: Niger, Mali, 3 other countries that have left ECOWAS
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled the list of countries that have either been suspended from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or left the bloc since 1975.
ECOWAS was formed to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activity, but it has seen at least 5 member countries leave. The countries are Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea.
