Political whispers are turning into full-blown drama: former President Goodluck Jonathan faces mounting pressure to re-enter the 2027 presidential race—but several political voices, including Shehu Sani and ex-ACF scribe Elder Anthony Sani, told him straight up not to. The PDP remains divided, with internal factions debating whether his return would revive the party—or sink it under legacy disputes and power rotation tensions.
1. Shehu Sani’s Straight-up Advice
On Sunday Politics (August 17), Shehu Sani blasted the idea of Jonathan running again, arguing the PDP today is nothing like the one he led—and that South-West PDP members are already backing the president, making Jonathan’s bid not just futile but politically tone-deaf. He said
“PDP he used to know is not the PDP now.”
2. Elder Anthony Sani: Preserve Your Legacy
Meanwhile, Elder Anthony Sani, former ACF scribe, took a broader, more sentimental angle: Jonathan, he argued, handed over power with grace and dignity in 2015—a rare legacy in Nigerian politics. Relaunching his ambitions now risks turning a statesman into a pawn, especially with President Tinubu also from the South.
“Returning now could overshadow that legacy… pushing another southern candidate in 2027 risks aggravating zoning disputes.”
3. PDP’s Internal Tug-of-War
Inside the PDP, factions are split. The party officially denies any direct outreach to Jonathan or Peter Obi, insisting it has “sufficient internal candidates,” like Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed. But behind closed doors, some chieftains are moving quietly to draft Jonathan—offering an “automatic ticket” to lure him back as a strategic stopper for Obi’s growing appeal.
4. Obi vs Jonathan: The Youth vs The Return
Not everyone buys the Jonathan comeback narrative. PDP chieftain Dan Ulasi called Obi the “big advantage” for PDP in 2027, emphasizing generational renewal and equity from the Southeast—saying Jonathan brings negligible political weight now.
5. Jonathan as Tinubu’s Real Threat
Still, Umar Sani, a PDP insider, didn’t sugarcoat it: if Jonathan runs, he could derail Tinubu’s re-election strategy. With deep roots in the South-South and newfound respect in the North, his candidacy could shatter Tinubu’s carefully laid ground.
6. The Alleged Conspiracy: Who’s Pulling the Strings?
Sources hint at behind-the-scenes manoeuvring: some elders and PDP governors are actively drafting Jonathan—possibly using him as a placeholder to secure 2031 for the North. Meanwhile, Obi remains anchored to his LP/ADC alliance, reluctant to return unless given full backing.
7. A Stirring Comeback or Quiet Resignation?
Surprising whispers suggest Jonathan might be warming up to the idea. A Bayelsa ally told Vanguard he has met quietly with key leaders—even General Babangida—to explore a “one-term rescue ticket.”
Jonathan’s return debate isn’t just about ambition—it’s about legacy, power balance, and who’s controlling Nigeria’s future. While some urge him to reclaim the mantle, others say he must stay retired or risk tarnishing his statesman image. Will he run—or will his legacy remain untarnished as history’s elder statesman?
