2027: Jonathan, Kwankwaso Presidential Posters Flood Social Media After Ex-President Declares Interest To Run Again

2027: Jonathan, Kwankwaso Presidential Posters Flood Social Media After Ex-President Declares Interest To Run Again

 

Campaign posters of Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, alongside former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have taken over social media just hours after key allies confirmed Jonathan’s readiness to contest the 2027 presidential election.

 

The posters, which bear Jonathan’s image and political slogans hinting at a comeback, were first spotted by News Week Nigeria and have since gone viral, sparking renewed debate about the political future of the former leader and the direction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

 

This development follows a statement from a close ally of Jonathan who confirmed to Vanguard that the Bayelsa-born politician has agreed to re-enter the presidential race in a bid to “rescue Nigeria” from worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and rising poverty.

 

According to a senior PDP official, the former president’s return is being championed by party elders and influential national figures who view him as a stabilizing force capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current economic hardship and deepening insecurity.

 

“He has accepted to run,” a close ally told Vanguard, adding that the initiative was driven by national elders “pleading with him” to contest and restore the nation’s lost glory.

 

Behind-the-Scenes Consultations

 

Jonathan has reportedly begun closed-door consultations with key political figures across Nigeria. He is said to have met with former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.) at his Minna residence over the weekend, where he briefed the former leader on his plans to run for a single term in 2027.

 

In addition to his northern outreach, the former president is currently engaging with South-South leaders and stakeholders to solidify regional support, including undisclosed meetings in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

Meanwhile, the PDP is intensifying efforts to draft Jonathan as its flagbearer, with internal discussions hinting at the possibility of granting him an automatic ticket to avoid a divisive primary.

 

“He remains a member of our party. As a listening party, we are responding to the overwhelming calls by Nigerians asking Jonathan to return,” said Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, in an interview monitored on BBC Hausa.

 

Abdullahi confirmed that emissaries had been sent to The Gambia, where Jonathan has been spending significant time, to convince him to accept the offer.

 

Automatic Ticket Under Consideration

 

Daniel Woyengikuro, PDP National Financial Secretary, openly backed the idea of giving Jonathan an automatic ticket. He described Jonathan as the most experienced and “salable” candidate the party currently has, especially with the presidency zoned to the South.

 

“Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party. If he finally accepts, the entire political landscape will change. I’m in support of an automatic ticket for him,” Woyengikuro told Vanguard.

 

He also named Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as another strong candidate capable of bridging Nigeria’s generational divide, indicating possible consideration for running mate or future leadership roles.

 

Legal Debate Over Eligibility

 

Jonathan’s potential candidacy has reignited legal and constitutional debates over his eligibility, stemming from a 2018 constitutional amendment which bars anyone sworn in twice as president from running again.

 

Section 137(3) of the Constitution states:

 

“A person who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as President shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

 

Critics argue that having completed the unexpired term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010 and serving a full term from 2011 to 2015, Jonathan may be ineligible to contest again.

 

However, several legal experts disagree, insisting that the amendment cannot apply retroactively. A 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Bayelsa affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to run, asserting that the 2018 amendment could not be applied to past tenures.

 

“The law does not have retroactive effect,” said Mr. Elekwachi Nnabuihe, a constitutional lawyer. “Jonathan was only elected once, and any oath taken before June 8, 2018, is not bound by this amendment.”

 

However, not all legal experts share that view. Johnmary Jideobi, a human rights lawyer, warned that allowing Jonathan to run and possibly serve another four years would breach the spirit of the Constitution, which aims to prevent anyone from holding presidential office for more than eight cumulative years.

 

“If he wins in 2027, he would have served beyond the constitutional limit,” Jideobi argued, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Marwa v. Nyako as a precedent.

 

PDP Defends Jonathan’s Record

Meanwhile, top PDP leaders have dismissed criticisms of Jonathan’s return, arguing that his past record, especially in economic management, makes him a top contender.

 

Chief Olabode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, called Jonathan “eminently qualified,” stating:

 

“He is the easiest candidate to sell. He never left the PDP and did not contest in 2010 — he only stepped in through the Doctrine of Necessity. His economic legacy speaks for itself.”

With the 2027 presidential race heating up, and former allies becoming potential rivals, Jonathan’s entrance — alongside visible signs of collaboration with figures like Kwankwaso — signals a major shake-up in Nigeria’s political terrain. Whether he runs under PDP, forges a new alliance, or makes a surprising switch to another platform remains to be seen.

 

What’s Next?

 

With Jonathan’s re-entry gaining steam, political analysts believe the 2027 race is shaping up to be a fierce contest between three key forces: incumbent President Bola Tinubu (APC), Goodluck Jonathan (PDP, pending confirmation), and Rabiu Kwankwaso, potentially under the NNPP or another coalition.