Former President Goodluck Jonathan is quietly moving forward with preparations to enter the 2027 presidential race, brushing aside concerns voiced publicly by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.
Mrs. Jonathan, while receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award in Abuja earlier this year, expressed frustration over the pressures of high political office. She declared that she wanted “peace” and questioned why anyone who had once occupied the presidency would want to return. In the same breath, she pledged loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and even promised to campaign for his re-election in 2027.
Despite her remarks, sources close to the former president insist he has not been swayed. According to insiders, Jonathan has intensified consultations with allies both within and outside the country, working to strengthen his position within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and clear possible obstacles to his return bid.
The Wike Challenge
One major hurdle identified by Jonathan’s strategists is the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. During a recent media chat, Wike bluntly advised Jonathan to abandon the idea of contesting, arguing that it would be better for him to preserve his statesmanlike image. He accused Jonathan’s promoters of double standards, noting that many of them had abandoned him during the 2015 elections.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Jonathan’s loyalists interpret Wike’s comments as a serious political threat. Meetings held outside Nigeria, according to sources, have focused on how to prevent Wike from undermining Jonathan’s chances of clinching the PDP ticket.
“Wike’s opposition cannot be taken lightly and that is why some of our meetings have been about how to ensure he does not become a stumbling block.”, a source stated.
The former president is said to have directed his inner circle, working under the coordination of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, to shore up support within the PDP. His team has reportedly succeeded in persuading Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri not to defect to the APC, a move that would have weakened Jonathan’s influence in the South-South.
Party insiders say Jonathan’s camp is determined to maintain stability within PDP ranks and prevent further defections ahead of the 2027 polls.
Legal and Domestic Concerns
Another recurring issue has been whether Jonathan is legally permitted to contest again, given that he has already been sworn in as president on two occasions. His camp recently circulated a court ruling affirming his eligibility, effectively shutting down arguments that his candidacy would breach constitutional provisions.
On the domestic front, allies dismiss his wife’s opposition as insignificant. One confidant recalled that Mrs. Jonathan had also resisted his elevation from Bayelsa governor to vice-president in 2007, but her disapproval did not stop his rise.