Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is officially back in the political spotlight — and he is running in the 2027 presidential elections. The conversation explores the potential candidacy of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 Nigerian elections, reflecting on his past leadership, the challenges he faced, and the current political landscape. It discusses the implications of his return, including security issues, economic downturns, and the dynamics of power rotation within Nigerian politics.
In this episode of The Other Side, Rimamnde Shawulu breaks down the political shockwave created by Jonathan’s comeback, exploring:
• The factors that led to his defeat in 2015. • The shifting political landscape over the past decade.
• What his 2027 bid could mean for Nigeria’s power rotation, party dynamics, and electoral outcomes.
Why Jonathan Lost in 2015 Jonathan’s last presidential race was marred by:
• A bitter fallout with his political godfather, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
• High-profile defections, including five governors and Atiku Abubakar, to form the APC coalition that backed Muhammadu Buhari.
• Security failures, including the Chibok girls kidnapping and Boko Haram’s territorial expansion.
• Corruption allegations, such as the $20 billion oil revenue scandal raised by then-CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
• Perceptions of weak leadership compared to Obasanjo’s more forceful approach.
These factors converged with internal PDP crises, electoral technology controversies (like card reader failures in strongholds), and a public perception that Jonathan’s administration was losing control.
Nigeria in 2025 – A Changed Context Ten years later, much has changed — and not necessarily for the better.
• Insecurity has worsened across Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Taraba, Plateau, and beyond.
• Boko Haram and other non-state actors now operate far beyond the three LGAs they held in 2015.
• The economy has declined: o Fuel prices have risen from ~₦140/litre in 2015 to over ₦1,000/litre. o The naira has fallen from ₦190/$1 to ₦1,500/$1.
• Poverty and hunger have deepened, with many Nigerians nostalgic for Jonathan-era economic stability.
The Political Chessboard Jonathan’s candidacy raises critical questions:
• Party Platform: Will he run on the PDP or ADC ticket?
• Power Rotation Politics: Both Tinubu (South-West) and Jonathan (South-South) are from the South, leaving the South-East still without a turn since independence.
• PDP Strategy: How will pro-Tinubu PDP members respond if their party fields Jonathan?
• Former Rivals: Figures like Rotimi Amaechi, who helped unseat Jonathan in 2015, may now face pressure to support him.
• Legal Hurdles: Some cite the 2018 constitutional amendment limiting presidents who complete another’s term, though legal experts say it cannot be applied retroactively. Possible Election Scenarios The 2027 election could become a three-way or four-way race involving:
• Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC) • Goodluck Jonathan (PDP or ADC) • Atiku Abubakar (possibly ADC or PDP) • Peter Obi (Labour Party)
In such a fragmented contest, analysts warn that Tinubu could benefit from a divided opposition — just as Buhari did in 2015.
Why This Matters
Jonathan’s return has injected uncertainty, strategy shifts, and fresh debates into Nigeria’s political scene.
His supporters argue that:
• Nigeria’s economy was stronger during his presidency.
• Insecurity was less widespread.
• He has gained international goodwill since leaving office.
His critics counter that:
• Past governance failures remain relevant.
• His comeback could undermine younger candidates and fresh leadership.
• Power rotation principles could be disrupted.
Whatever the outcome, Jonathan’s candidacy will reshape alliances, test political loyalties, and possibly alter Nigeria’s electoral map in 2027.
Watch now for Rimamnde Shawulu’s deep dive into the political, economic, and strategic implications of Jonathan’s return to frontline politics.
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