Tuesday May 19, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has re-entered Nigeria’s presidential race, according to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Umar Sani, who disclosed that the former Bayesla State governor has already obtained the party’s nomination form ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sani made the disclosure on Tuesday during an appearance on Trust TV, sparking fresh political debate over Jonathan’s possible return to frontline politics more than a decade after leaving office.
Jonathan’s entry would set up a high-stakes contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who is expected to fly the flag of Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), and other leading political figures expected to vie for the presidency in 2027.
Sani, a former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, also addressed the ongoing legal challenge questioning Jonathan’s eligibility to contest again, insisting the matter has already been resolved by judicial precedent.
“We are very confident that the matter will be thrown out because you cannot relitigate something that has already been decided upon,” he said.
He maintained that only the Supreme Court could overturn earlier rulings on the issue, expressing confidence that the suit before Justice Peter Lifu would be struck out when it comes up on May 26.
The PDP chieftain’s remarks come amid renewed speculation and political consultations involving Jonathan, who has in recent months been linked with behind-the-scenes engagements with key political actors.
Although Jonathan has not publicly declared any intention to contest or confirmed his political platform, Sani insisted that his actions already point to active preparation for the 2027 race.
“In politics, what matters is action. If you are interested, you follow the required processes, including obtaining nomination forms. He has done that,” he said.
Pressed further, Sani reiterated that Jonathan had not only obtained the form but was also preparing for its public submission.
“Yes, and in fact, he is about to come and submit the form publicly,” he added.
He dismissed claims that Jonathan’s name was being used for political speculation, arguing that the former president continues to enjoy strong public goodwill.
“Most Nigerians know him and are nostalgic about Jonathan. Many compare his time in office with current realities,” he said.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has remained largely outside partisan politics since his defeat in the 2015 election, focusing instead on mediation, diplomacy, and peace-building efforts across Africa.
*NewDiplomat
2027: Jonathan Picks PDP Presidential Form, To Square Off With Tinubu, Obi, Atiku, Others
