Groups To Purchase PDP Presidential Nomination Form for Jonathan Ahead of INEC Deadline

 

 

 

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is set to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, according to reports by Vanguard.

 

Vanguard gathered on Sunday that Jonathan has resolved to pursue his renewed presidential ambition through the PDP after what sources described as extensive consultations and strategic considerations over the political platform that would offer him the best opportunity to return to power.

 

A top official within Jonathan’s camp, who spoke to Vanguard in confidence, said the former president believes he can provide “quality leadership” to address the worsening economic hardship and poverty confronting Nigerians.

 

According to the source, the decision has triggered intense competition among several pro-Jonathan groups seeking to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form for him. The opposition party’s nomination form is reportedly pegged at N100 million.

 

The source told Vanguard that many of the groups are racing against time because the deadline for the submission of nomination forms ends on Tuesday.

 

Among the groups reportedly pushing for Jonathan’s candidacy are the Coalition for Jonathan, Goodies Movement, The New Nigeria (TNN), 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.

 

Vanguard further reported that a diaspora-based group known as the Goodluckan Movement is also claiming the right to purchase the nomination form for the former president, insisting that it represents Nigerians globally more than the northern-based support groups.

 

The official disclosed that each of the groups had pledged to independently raise the N100 million required to obtain the form for Jonathan.

 

Although Jonathan had publicly maintained that he would consult widely before deciding whether to run, sources close to him told Vanguard that he has already made up his mind to contest the presidency in 2027.

 

The former president is said to be preparing to campaign on promises to revive the economy, reduce hardship, and improve governance across the country.

 

The development comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with several political actors positioning themselves for the presidential race.

 

The leader of one of the support groups, Dr. Tom Ohikere, had earlier urged Jonathan to immediately obtain a presidential nomination form “of any party of your choice” and contest the election.

 

Questions had continued to trail the platform Jonathan intended to use for his comeback bid, prompting a faction of the PDP led by Tanimu Turaki to reportedly confirm that the former president had fulfilled the necessary requirements to contest under the party.

 

PDP spokesman, Barrister Ini Ememobong, was quoted by Vanguard as saying that Jonathan completed his online registration with the party earlier this year, dismissing speculations surrounding his political affiliation.

 

Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race has also revived legal debates over whether he is constitutionally eligible to contest again after previously serving as president.

 

Vanguard recalled that Jonathan has already approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the presidency again on the grounds that he had already completed two terms in office.

 

The outcome of the court case is expected to determine whether the former president can officially join the race to unseat incumbent President Bola Tinubu in 2027.