The debate over whether former President Goodluck Jonathan should return to contest the 2027 presidential election continues to spark reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Weighing in on the matter, former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has advised Jonathan against throwing his hat back into the ring. According to Sani, Nigeria’s political realities have changed significantly since Jonathan left office in 2015, and a comeback bid could harm rather than strengthen his legacy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Sani noted that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the emerging opposition coalition lack the strength and ideological depth to support Jonathan’s candidacy in 2027.
Jonathan and the 2027 Election Speculations
Speculations about Jonathan’s potential return to power have been fueled by debates over power rotation, particularly the argument for a one-term Southern presidency. Proponents believe Jonathan, having served just one full term between 2011 and 2015, could serve as a transitional figure for the South if he contests and wins in 2027.
In addition, the emergence of a new coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has revived discussions about a possible opposition realignment ahead of the next general elections. However, Shehu Sani insists that Jonathan’s re-entry into the contest would be a strategic misstep.
PDP Is No Longer What It Used to Be
Shehu Sani emphasized that the PDP, the platform that brought Jonathan to power in 2011, is no longer united or as formidable as it once was.
“Each time there is an election, the name of Jonathan comes up. But it is his volition to contest or not. However, I advise him not to do that. The reason is very simple: the PDP he used to know is not the PDP now,” Sani said.
The ex-lawmaker argued that deep cracks within the PDP have weakened its ability to challenge the ruling party effectively. He noted that while some factions in the South-West openly endorse President Bola Tinubu, others have aligned with the new coalition, leaving the PDP fragmented and inconsistent.
For Jonathan, Sani believes, returning under such circumstances would be akin to stepping into a battlefield with no strong political army behind him.
The Opposition Coalition: Hope or Illusion?
The recent formation of a coalition of opposition parties has been touted as a potential threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Yet, Shehu Sani remains skeptical.
According to him, while the idea of an opposition alliance is welcome in a democracy, the current coalition lacks a clear ideological foundation.
“We are in a democracy, and it is within the right and ambit of our democratic experiment to have an opposition. But if their only cause for power is to remove Tinubu without providing any alternative, then they have no agenda,” he argued.
Sani dismissed the coalition as a gathering of politicians with similar policies to those of Tinubu. He pointed out that their economic approaches, including subsidy removal and currency devaluation, mirror those already being implemented by the APC government.
In his view, the coalition does not present the ideological diversity required to sway Nigerians seeking change.
Jonathan’s Political Legacy
Goodluck Jonathan remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about leaders, largely due to his peaceful concession of defeat in 2015—a gesture that earned him global praise.
Supporters often highlight his “I love my country more than my ambition” statement, which reinforced Nigeria’s democratic values and reduced post-election tension.
However, critics argue that Jonathan’s administration struggled with widespread corruption allegations, insecurity, and economic instability. For Shehu Sani, Jonathan’s legacy would be better preserved by staying out of the 2027 race rather than risking a political battle that could expose him to renewed scrutiny and partisan attacks.
The Southern Presidency Debate
The question of power rotation remains central to Nigeria’s politics. Following President Tinubu’s emergence in 2023, some southern political leaders have floated the idea of a one-term Southern presidency to balance regional interests.
Jonathan, being from the South-South region and having served only one elected term, is seen by some as a potential “consensus” candidate.
Yet, Shehu Sani dismisses this reasoning, stressing that the PDP’s internal crisis and the coalition’s lack of depth make Jonathan’s return an unwise gamble.
Shehu Sani’s Final Warning
While acknowledging that Jonathan has the constitutional right to contest, Sani warned that the former president risks damaging his reputation if he re-enters a political race without a strong platform.
“The PDP he used to know is gone. He shouldn’t waste his time. The coalition that is emerging is not ideologically different from Tinubu’s political philosophy. For Jonathan, it is better to preserve his legacy than to gamble in 2027,” Sani concluded.
2027 Political Dynamics: What Lies Ahead?
With less than two years into Tinubu’s administration, the 2027 elections are already shaping up to be hotly contested. Several key dynamics will determine the race:
PDP’s Survival – Whether the party can resolve its internal crisis and remain relevant.
Coalition Strength – Whether the ADC-led alliance can evolve into a truly ideological opposition bloc.
APC Unity – How well the ruling party can manage internal rivalries and deliver on its promises.
Regional Politics – The continuing debates over zoning, North-South balance, and rotational presidency.
For Jonathan, the decision to run would require navigating all these uncertainties while contending with his past political baggage.
The debate over Goodluck Jonathan’s possible 2027 candidacy underscores Nigeria’s complex political landscape. While some see him as a unifying southern candidate, Shehu Sani’s cautionary words reflect the risks of such a move.
With a fragmented PDP, a shaky opposition coalition, and an APC still in control, Jonathan’s return could be more damaging than beneficial. For many, preserving his democratic legacy may be a wiser path than attempting a comeback in 2027.
