Politics

2027: Jonathan Remains Silent as Northern Opposition Ramps Up Pressure

Published

4 months ago

August 22, 2025

275 Views

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 presidential election, former President Goodluck Jonathan is facing increasing pressure—especially from northern opposition groups—to throw his hat into the ring and challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, initially assumed office following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in May 2010. He later won the 2011 election but lost to Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) coalition in 2015.

Despite the legal and political debates surrounding his eligibility—stemming from questions about whether he could serve more than one term after succeeding Yar’Adua—the Federal High Court in Yenagoa cleared Jonathan for the 2023 presidential race. However, he ultimately did not run, with speculation linking him to both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Now, as discussions intensify for 2027, Jonathan’s possible candidacy is again under the spotlight. Supporters suggest he might run on the PDP platform, given the party’s zoning of the presidency to the South and the constitutional provision limiting him to one term.

Yet, Jonathan has remained publicly silent on his intentions. Those close to him hint he could be a leading contender against President Tinubu, but no official confirmation has been made.

Political observers and figures have voiced divergent opinions on his potential return:

Shehu Sani, former Kaduna Central lawmaker, argues that Jonathan should not contest, citing that the PDP he once led has changed significantly.
Dele Farotimi, a prominent lawyer, warns that attempts to “rebrand” Jonathan overlook the reasons Nigerians voted him out in 2015, believing his tenure failed to resolve national issues.
Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, claims Jonathan is not interested in running.

Within the PDP, opinions are also mixed. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the matter as speculative. However, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a Lagos PDP chieftain and former Atiku 2023 campaign council member, expressed skepticism about Jonathan securing the party’s nomination.

Pearse noted that Jonathan’s long absence from active party politics, lack of financial support, and questionable eligibility could hinder his bid. He suggested Jonathan would struggle to gather enough delegate support and warned of potential legal challenges if he pursued the presidency again.

Pearse added, “We have viable candidates like the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who has demonstrated effective leadership and stands a strong chance to defeat Tinubu in 2027.”

As the debate continues, Jonathan’s next move remains uncertain, leaving Nigerians and political analysts closely watching whether he will step forward to contest or remain on the sidelines in the forthcoming presidential race.

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Politics

Atiku welcomes Peter Obi to ADC

Atiku, in a post on X on Tuesday, described Obi’s entry into the ADC as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s opposition politics and expressed optimism about working together to build a formidable alternative to the ruling party.

Published

9 hours ago

December 31, 2025

OCHEFA

30 Views

• Atiku and Obi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following Obi’s official defection to the party.

“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, @PeterObi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Atiku wrote.

“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added.

Politics

Peter Obi officially defects to ADC party

Obi said that his defection ahead of the 2027 election is aimed at transforming and rescuing Nigeria.

Published

9 hours ago

December 31, 2025

OCHEFA

35 Views

Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 has officially joined the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Obi announced his defection in Enugu on Wednesday, December 31,2025.

Obi said that his defection ahead of the 2027 election is aimed at transforming and rescuing Nigeria.

“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” he declared.

“We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027, he added.

Obi also urged opposition leaders to come together as a family under the leadership of David Mark to rescue Nigeria.

Those present at the event

Those present at the event included former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East; and other dignitaries.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh,Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Enyinnya Abaribe; Senator Sam Egwu; as well as several other Senators and members of the House of Representatives were also in attendance.

(Vanguard)

Politics

Wike bites finger as kinsmen endorse Fubara for second term 2027

Governor Fubara in his response, expressed appreciation for the endorsement and the show of unity by the Eneka people.

Published

1 day ago

December 30, 2025

OCHEFA

35 Views

Kinsmen of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, have passed a vote of confidence in the administration of the governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and endorsed him for a second term.

The Eneka people in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, the LGA of Wike, also said the FCT minister is no longer governor of the state, noting that the hollowed office of the state is solely occupied by Fubara.

The endorsement was announced on Tuesday at the 2025 Eneka Day Celebration, held at State Primary School One, Eneka, with the theme “Unity: Our Strength for Progress.”

The event attracted community leaders, traditional rulers and residents from the eleven communities that make up the clan.

The spokesperson for the clan, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, CDC of Eneka, Mr. Lawson Chukwu, reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty and support of the people for the Governor.

Chukwu commended the administration for its development efforts in the area and appealed to the governor to give attention to the construction of the community’s internal roads.

Chukwu further requested the upgrade of the Eneka traditional stool from second-class to first-class status, noting that such recognition would further strengthen the cultural heritage and unity of the people.

Also, the political leader of Eneka Clan and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, declared that the people of Eneka recognise Siminalayi Fubara as the only Governor of Rivers State.

Mbata promised the Governor of the clan’s continued friendship and support, describing the relationship as firm and unbroken.

Governor Fubara in his response, expressed appreciation for the endorsement and the show of unity by the Eneka people.

He assured the community that his administration would prioritise the restoration of a considerable number of their deteriorated internal roads, many of which, he noted, were damaged by heavy-duty during the construction of flyovers.

The Governor promised a significant and reasonable intervention to improve road access within the clan and enhance the quality of life of residents.