Politics

2027: Jonathan Moves Forward with Presidential Bid Despite Wife’s Objection, Allies Meet Abroad

Published by admin on September 8th, 2025.

2027: Jonathan Moves Forward with Presidential Bid Despite Wife’s Objection, Allies Meet Abroad

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is pressing ahead with his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, even in the face of public disapproval from his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.

At a May 2025 event in Abuja, where she was honored with the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award, Mrs. Jonathan made headlines with her candid remarks about the burdens of public office. She said, “Nigeria’s troubles are overwhelming. If God gives you a way out, you should thank Him. Why go back into the chaos? I need peace, and that peace is enough for me.” In the same breath, she pledged her support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating her intention to actively campaign for him.

Despite her sentiments, close associates of the former president revealed to the Daily Sun that Jonathan remains undeterred. According to multiple insiders, he has ramped up efforts behind the scenes to secure the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket.

To maintain secrecy and avoid disruption from government-aligned forces, key strategy sessions have reportedly been held outside the country. Trusted allies are said to be working on strengthening Jonathan’s influence within the PDP while also strategizing around internal party challenges, particularly tensions involving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike, during a televised media briefing last Monday, publicly advised Jonathan to step aside and preserve his legacy as a statesman. He criticized Jonathan’s supporters as hypocritical, pointing out that many of them had turned against the former president during the 2015 elections.

Insiders close to Jonathan consider Wike’s stance a serious hurdle. One source noted, “Wike’s opposition isn’t something to ignore. That’s why a significant portion of our meetings has focused on ensuring he doesn’t derail the plan.”

Efforts have also been made to solidify support in the South-South region, Jonathan’s stronghold. His team reportedly persuaded Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to remain in the PDP amid rumors of a potential defection to the APC—a move that could have destabilized the party’s base in the region.

When asked about how the former president is handling his wife’s public objections, a senior member of Jonathan’s camp dismissed it outright, saying, “That’s a minor issue. Don’t forget, back when he was governor of Bayelsa and nominated as Yar’Adua’s running mate, Patience strongly opposed it. She preferred he stayed governor. But that didn’t stop his rise to the presidency.”

In response to questions about Jonathan’s constitutional eligibility to run again, his supporters have pointed to a court ruling affirming his legal right to seek another term. The judgment clarified that having previously been sworn in twice—once after President Yar’Adua’s death and again after winning the 2011 election—does not bar him from contesting in 2027.