Again, Jonathan Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid, Says He Won’t Contest Against Obi
However, sources told New Telegraph that the former president flatly rejected the idea, stressing that contesting against Peter Obi would amount to “a betrayal of the South-East.”
Advertisements
Again, Jonathan Rules Out 2027 Presidential Bid, Says He Won’t Contest Against Obi – Sources
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has once again dismissed speculations suggesting he is eyeing a return to Aso Rock in 2027, insisting he will not join the race.
Jonathan, who left office in 2015 after losing to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was rumoured to be considering a comeback.
Advertisements
However, sources told New Telegraph that the former president flatly rejected the idea, stressing that contesting against Peter Obi would amount to “a betrayal of the South-East.”
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, has already declared his interest in contesting again in 2027. He pledged to serve only one term to complete President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, in line with the principle of rotational presidency.
“As president, he [Jonathan] said he received more votes from the South-East than even his own geopolitical zone,” one source was quoted as saying. “So the talk about Jonathan running in 2027 is not true.”
Advertisements
The report further revealed that Jonathan turned down mounting pressure to contest, describing the calls as “selfish” and aimed at weakening southern solidarity.
“He would not be used to truncate anybody’s chances,” another source disclosed. “He is an international statesman and is satisfied with playing that role.”
With this clarification, Jonathan joins the growing list of southern leaders emphasising unity ahead of the next general election, as the debate over zoning and power rotation continues to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
