Former President Goodluck Jonathan has formally entered the 2027 presidential race, emerging as the sole aspirant slated for screening by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Kabiru Turaki.
The move marks Jonathan’s most concrete step yet toward a possible return to Nigeria’s highest political office more than a decade after he left power in 2015, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched comebacks in the country’s democratic history.
The faction confirmed on Sunday that its screening exercise for aspirants across elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections will begin on Tuesday at 10 a.m., with the former president expected before the presidential screening panel as the only contender.
Although the official statement did not name him, senior party insiders confirmed to TheCable that Jonathan is the sole presidential aspirant pencilled in for the exercise.
Legal uncertainty trails Jonathan’s ambition
Jonathan’s entry into the race comes amid lingering legal questions over his eligibility, with a matter challenging his potential candidacy currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Despite the uncertainty, his political profile has continued to rise in recent months, fuelled by renewed calls from political stakeholders and support groups urging him to rejoin frontline politics.
The development also comes as the opposition intensifies preparations to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, with the PDP still struggling to resolve internal divisions and leadership realignments.
Pressure, persuasion and political return
For months, speculation had grown over whether Jonathan would heed calls for a comeback, with several groups openly lobbying for his return to the ballot.
That pressure peaked recently when youth groups under the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan staged a rally at his Abuja residence, urging him to declare interest in the presidency.
At the time, Jonathan had remained cautious, stating that he would consult widely before making any political decision.
His eventual appearance as the only presidential aspirant to be screened by the Turaki-led faction is now being interpreted by analysts as a decisive shift from hesitation to active participation.
Political observers say the development could significantly reshape internal calculations within the PDP, particularly on zoning arrangements, generational balance, and the search for a unifying national candidate.
Massive screening exercise underway
The PDP faction said its screening exercise will cover thousands of aspirants across different levels of elective offices.
According to the party, 2,122 state house of assembly aspirants, 748 House of Representatives hopefuls, 198 senatorial candidates, 112 governorship aspirants, and one presidential hopeful are expected to undergo screening.
The presidential screening committee includes several senior party figures and former public office holders.
They include former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi.
Others on the panel are Olabode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenih, Abdul Bulama, Esther Uduehi, Tony Aziegbemi, Sunday Solari, and Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.
The party said the committee composition was approved by its National Executive Committee at its 104th meeting.
High-stakes moment for opposition politics
Jonathan’s formal screening is expected to deepen conversations within Nigeria’s opposition circles, where the PDP continues to grapple with factional disputes and the challenge of presenting a united front ahead of 2027.
While supporters see him as a stabilising figure with national appeal, critics argue his return could reopen old fault lines within the party.
With Tuesday’s screening, the Turaki-led faction is effectively placing Jonathan at the centre of its early 2027 presidential calculations -a development that could reshape the opposition race in the months ahead.
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