Politics
2027: Jonathan Remains Silent as Northern Opposition Ramps Up Pressure
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.
Politics
ADC, NDC upload presidential tickets to INEC portal for 2027 polls
In a post on his X handle, Abdullahi described the submission as another milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have successfully uploaded the names and particulars of their presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi., Peter Obi/ Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The two parties confirmed the development respectively on the X and Facebook.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced on Wednesday that the party had successfully uploaded the names and particulars of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi.
In a post on his X handle, Abdullahi described the submission as another milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, disclosed that he had completed his INEC nomination form, using the occasion to call for greater transparency in the electoral process and a renewed focus on governance.
In a post on his Facebook page, Obi said one of the questions on the nomination form, asking whether an aspirant had ever been labelled a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind, prompted him to reflect on the state of leadership in Nigeria.
Politics
2027: Obi asks INEC to publish candidates’ certificates
Obi made the call while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to mental fitness and certificate authenticity.
Peter Gregory Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the academic certificates and credentials submitted by candidates seeking elective office.
Obi made the call while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to mental fitness and certificate authenticity.
He said that for openness in the electoral system, INEC should publish the certificates and credentials submitted by all aspirants.
According to Obi, making such documents publicly available would help ensure that those seeking public office are held to higher standards of accountability and integrity.
He said, “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?” Again, the answer is either Yes or No. This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?”
Politics
JUST IN: Adeboye says he Admires Trump, declaring “He is the best politician I’ve met’
To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described United States President Donald Trump as the “best politician” he has ever known, saying the American leader keeps his promises and acts decisively on them.
Adeboye made the remarks when he spoke at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C.
The cleric said that he admired Trump not because he agreed with all his policies, but because he believed the US president was a leader who followed through on his commitments.
His words, “I’ve never met Trump, but I’ve followed him, and I like him. It doesn’t mean I agree with all his ways, but what I like about him is if you want the truth, he’s the best politician I’ve ever met.
During the first time, an ambassador in Nigeria then visited me in my home, and he said, ‘What do you think about our new president?’ ‘I said, ‘I like him because he’s doing what he promised he will do.
Adeboye emphasised that unlike many politicians who make conflicting statements, Trump says what he intends to do and carries it out.
“To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician, and then I like him because when he says he wants to do this, you better get ready because many times he would have done what he’s going to do before he tells you.”
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