2027 Election: Court Clears Goodluck Jonathan to Contest Again as Speculation About Presidential Comeback Grows

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been declared eligible to contest in the 2027 presidential election following a ruling by a Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The decision, delivered by Justice Isa Dashen, clarified that Jonathan’s brief tenure after the passing of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010 does not count as an elected term. As a result, the constitutional amendment restricting individuals who have been sworn in twice from contesting again does not apply to him.

This judgment reignites political discussions about Jonathan’s possible return to Aso Rock. Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, initially assumed office to complete Yar’Adua’s remaining term before winning the 2011 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, he lost his reelection bid in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since then, Jonathan has maintained a relatively low political profile, focusing on statesmanship and peace-building initiatives both locally and internationally.

Justice Dashen, in his detailed judgment, explained that Section 137(3) of the Nigerian Constitution only took effect on June 7, 2018. Therefore, Jonathan’s earlier swearing-in in 2010 falls outside the legal framework of this constitutional amendment. According to the ruling, Jonathan remains eligible to seek another term in office as the section cannot be applied retroactively.

The development has stirred reactions across the Nigerian political landscape. While Jonathan has not made any official declaration about contesting in 2027, some party leaders and stakeholders within the PDP have begun to openly endorse him as their best candidate. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido recently described Jonathan as the most experienced Southern candidate within the party, citing his past leadership record and broad governance experience.

In 2023, speculation about Jonathan defecting to the APC to pursue a presidential ticket dominated public discussions, but he eventually made no move in that direction. His silence over his political ambitions continues to generate intense debate, especially as the PDP faces internal divisions ahead of the next general elections.

Some political analysts believe Jonathan’s return to the presidential race could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics, especially with the country’s North-South power balance at stake. However, not everyone supports his comeback bid. Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani has advised Jonathan to stay away from the 2027 contest, warning that the PDP’s disunity could work against him if he chooses to run.

Jonathan has remained silent on these calls but has recently hinted at feeling “unstoppable,” which many interpret as a strong signal of his readiness to return to active politics. His eventual decision will likely influence not only the PDP’s chances but also the broader political landscape as rival parties like the APC strategize for the coming elections.

As Nigerians await Jonathan’s official announcement, political analysts and stakeholders are closely watching the unfolding events. The coming months will determine whether the former president can successfully navigate the complex web of party politics, legal frameworks, and voter expectations to secure another shot at leading Africa’s most populous nation.