Fresh moves to persuade former president Goodluck Jonathan to return to the political stage ahead of the 2027 general election are gaining momentum.
The calls, which have sparked heated debate across party lines, come as some political actors argue that Jonathan remains a unifying figure with the credibility to stabilise Nigeria’s polity.
Advocates for his return point to what they describe as his statesmanship and international recognition since leaving office in 2015, insisting that his re-entry would offer the country “experienced leadership” at a time of mounting political and economic challenges.
But critics warn that yielding to the pressure could erode Jonathan’s global reputation as a symbol of peaceful democratic transition.
They argue that his legacy as the only Nigerian president to have voluntarily conceded defeat at the polls may be compromised if he attempts a comeback.
Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have publicly signalled their support. At the same time, members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) insist that Jonathan has every constitutional right to contest the election.
National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the political ground is fertile for Jonathan to contest since he has the constitutional rights to do so.
“Well, it is certainly an interesting development. It is also within the constitutional rights of the former President. The political scene is also fertile for any and all presidential and other hopefuls.
“How the ensuing campaign will turn out, what he will promise the electorate, the persuasive appeals of such promises, etc., all remain to be seen.
“So, for now, potential voters wait in anticipation, hopefully of robust, issue-based, clean political campaigns, devoid of blackmail, intimidation, or violence of any sorts,” the Scribe told Daily Sun.
On his part, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, said Jonathan’s return would enrich the country’s democracy.
“It is a good development. Former President Goodluck Jonathan has shown that he remains in good shape politically, and his return will not be strange.
“It is consistent with global and continental trends, such as the return of Donald Trump to the political arena in the United States.
“Jonathan earned a place in Nigeria’s democratic history by conceding defeat and handing over after an election he lost in 2015.
“That singular act has strengthened our democracy. Therefore, it is within his right to return, and we believe his participation will further enrich the democratic process,” Abdullahi said.
Opponents, however, say the 2027 contest should be a chance for fresh leadership, cautioning that a Jonathan candidacy could deepen internal party divisions and complicate Nigeria’s zoning politics.
Political analysts also argue that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has weakened opposition structures, creating space for Jonathan to be positioned as a consensus candidate should his candidacy gather more traction.
The debate is expected to intensify in the coming months as the 2027 elections draw nearer, with Jonathan yet to make any public statement on whether he will heed the calls.