2027: Jonathan’s Rumoured Comeback Sends Shockwaves Through Tinubu’s Camp

Tensions are mounting within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as rumours grow that former President Goodluck Jonathan may stage a dramatic political comeback in the 2027 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The speculation, reignited by PDP chieftain and former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has already sparked a legal and political storm — one that could reshape the 2027 race before it even begins.

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Court Battle Over Jonathan’s Eligibility

A fresh suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja is seeking to disqualify Jonathan from contesting the next election. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, was lodged by lawyer Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, who asked the court to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting Jonathan’s nomination or publishing his name as a candidate.

Jonathan, listed as the first defendant, is joined by INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation as co-defendants. The suit hinges on Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which limits any president who has completed another’s term to just one more tenure.

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Presidency Fires Back: ‘Jonathan Was a Disaster’

Reacting to reports of Jonathan’s possible return, President Bola Tinubu’s camp has wasted no time in launching blistering attacks on the former leader.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described Jonathan’s tenure as “disastrous”, accusing his administration of “frivolous spending” and economic mismanagement.

“Jonathan will have his date in court,” Onanuga said, questioning whether the former president could legally seek another term after being sworn in twice — first in 2010 following Umaru Yar’Adua’s death, and again after his 2011 election victory.

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Senior Lawyer Dismisses Suit as ‘Abuse of Court Process’

However, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Oba Maduabuchi dismissed the new court action as “a clear abuse of judicial process.”

Speaking on Arise Television, Maduabuchi explained that the matter had already been settled by a court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which ruled that Jonathan remained eligible to contest. Since no appeal has been filed, he said, that ruling stands as the legal position.

He further noted that the constitutional amendment being cited — Section 137(3) — came into effect in 2018, years after Jonathan left office, and therefore cannot apply retroactively.

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APC Mocks PDP: ‘Jonathan Will Need an Overdose of Good Luck’

In Lagos, the APC dismissed the PDP’s alleged plan to field Jonathan as “a desperate attempt to rewrite history.”

Party spokesman Seye Oladejo quipped that Jonathan would need “an overdose of good luck” to return to Aso Rock, adding that he faced “numerous landmines — legal, historical, and political.”

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‘They’ll Destroy Your Name Again’ – Kenneth Okonkwo Warns Jonathan

Actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has also cautioned Jonathan against re-entering the political battlefield.

In a viral video on X, the former Labour Party spokesman said: “Jonathan should not even contemplate running in 2027. The same forces that nearly destroyed his name when they weren’t in power are now in power — they’ll take his name to the toilet.”