A group of northern political elites has started to work behind the scenes to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan to run in the 2027 presidential elections, sources familiar with the matter have revealed. This move is reportedly motivated by the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the northern region.
Professor Khalifa Dikwa, Dean of the Borno Elders Forum, expressed frustration over Tinubu’s leadership during a recent national television interview. According to Dikwa, the northern region is deeply unhappy with the president due to what he described as “misfit and weak appointees” as well as “anti-people policies.” He added, “Most of the appointees are either misfits or weak or to the wrong places,” accusing the administration of bias in its appointments and labeling them as “lopsided.”
As a result of this dissatisfaction, several northern political figures, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, have publicly voiced their support for Jonathan as a potential candidate. Mohammed hinted that he would not pursue the presidency if Jonathan chooses to run. He emphasized his admiration for Jonathan, saying, “If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood.”
The northern elites are drawn to Jonathan’s track record and leadership style, which they believe would better address key issues in the region, including youth unemployment and the Almajiri system. They also argue that Jonathan’s return could help the north regain its political footing, as they feel the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost support in the region since the last national protest.
However, those close to Jonathan have downplayed these reports, emphasizing that the former president is currently more focused on his international responsibilities and humanitarian efforts. A confidant of Jonathan stated, “This talk about running or not running is way too early in the scheme of things.”
By May 2027, President Tinubu’s first term will end, sparking discussions of a possible power shift. Should Jonathan decide to run, his potential victory could align with Nigeria’s tradition of rotating the presidency between regions, further igniting interest in his candidacy.
Jonathan previously served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, taking over after the death of President Umar Yar’Adua and later conceding defeat to Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 elections.
