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
APC pegs presidential ticket at N100 million, governorship N60 million
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10million.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says that it’s Presidential ticket will be decided on May 15 and 16, candidates for the Houses of Assembly in 36 states would be elected on May 21; while the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) shadow polls will take place on May 28 and 30.
In the comprehensive timetable released to INEC, presidential aspirants will pick the Expression of Interest Form for N30 million and the Nomination Forms for N70 million.
Also, governorship contenders will obtain the Expression of Interest Form for N20 million and the Nomination Form for N40 million.
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10 million Naira.
Those eyeing the House of Assembly tickets will obtain the forms for N6 million.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released its Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the party disclosed that the schedule was signed by its National Organising Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR.
The timetable provides detailed timelines for key pre-election activities, including the screening of aspirants, appeals processes, primary elections, and directives on the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.
The APC reassured its members, stakeholders, and the Nigerian public of its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive primary elections.
“The party remains dedicated to strengthening internal democracy and consolidating its progressive ideals through a fair and orderly process,” the statement added.
The release of the timetable marks a significant early step by the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 polls begin in earnest.
Politics
Gbenga Daniel shut out from Ogun East APC Meeting
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
• Gbenga Daniel address supporters from his vehicle outside APC East meeting in Ijebu- Ode, Monday April 20.
The former governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was on Monday blocked from gaining access to the venue of the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District.
The meeting, held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, included past chairmen, past and present National Assembly members, councillors, among others.
However, videos circulating on social media showed that Senator Daniel’s convoy was prevented from entering the venue.
Upon arrival in a white bus branded “BAT OGD Movement,” Daniel—also known as OGD—was reportedly denied entry on the orders of a local government chairman, who allegedly claimed the directive “came from higher authorities.
”In one of the clips, Daniel’s security personnel were seen engaging individuals at the gate in an attempt to gain access, but were unsuccessful.
The situation turned tense as supporters of the senator gathered, chanting: “OGD, OGD, OGD.”
Daniel later addressed his supporters from his vehicle:”We are here for our caucus meeting, and I got here by 10 a.m. They said that we shouldn’t enter the venue in Ijebu-Ode.”
His media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed the incident and described the meeting as a gathering of loyalists of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to Oliyide, the meeting notice was issued at midnight and invited all National Assembly members, including Daniel.”
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