A trusted confidant of former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly told The Vanguard that the Bayelsa-born statesman is set to be a major opponent to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
As per the report, the associate—who is also affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—disclosed that efforts to field Jonathan as the PDP’s flagbearer had progressed significantly and that the former president had already accepted the proposal.
Commenting on the development a day earlier, Chief Olabode George, ex-Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, remarked that Jonathan was more than qualified to run under the PDP banner.
In his reaction, he noted that Jonathan’s leadership record could make him a popular candidate among Nigerians.
“He’s extremely qualified because he remained loyal to the party. The more choices we have, the better. Others who wish to contest should wait until 2035.
Jonathan is the easiest to market due to his track record, particularly the economic stability seen during his administration,” George stated.
Addressing concerns over whether Jonathan’s two previous oaths of office could hinder his eligibility, George clarified that it would not.
He explained that Jonathan’s first swearing-in occurred after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, and was carried out under the Doctrine of Necessity. At the time, Jonathan had not contested an election but merely completed Yar’Adua’s term.