Former President Goodluck Jonathan is quietly advancing preparations to contest the 2027 presidential election, despite public opposition from his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, News Sources have gathered.
Earlier this year, Mrs. Jonathan, while receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award in Abuja, voiced her frustration over the pressures of political office, declaring that she wanted “peace.” She questioned why anyone who had once held the presidency would want to return and went as far as pledging loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, promising to campaign for his re-election in 2027.
However, insiders confirm that Jonathan has not been deterred. Instead, he has intensified consultations with allies at home and abroad, working to strengthen his foothold within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and clear potential obstacles to his comeback bid.
The Wike Factor
One key challenge identified by Jonathan’s strategists is the influence of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. In a recent media chat, Wike bluntly advised Jonathan to shelve his ambition, warning that a comeback bid could erode his statesmanlike image. He also accused many of Jonathan’s current promoters of abandoning him during his 2015 loss to Muhammadu Buhari.
Sources close to Jonathan revealed that his loyalists view Wike’s stance as a serious political threat. Meetings held outside Nigeria have reportedly focused on strategies to ensure Wike does not undermine Jonathan’s chances of securing the PDP ticket.
“Wike’s opposition cannot be taken lightly, and that is why some of our meetings have been about how to ensure he does not become a stumbling block,” a close source to the situation said.
Securing Party Base
To consolidate support, Jonathan has directed his inner circle—coordinated by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed—to engage PDP stakeholders. His team is said to have successfully convinced Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri not to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could have weakened Jonathan’s South-South base.
Party insiders say Jonathan’s camp is determined to maintain stability within PDP ranks and prevent further defections ahead of the 2027 polls.
Legal and Domestic Concerns
Jonathan’s eligibility has also been a recurring debate, given that he has been sworn in twice as president. His camp, however, recently circulated a court ruling affirming that he remains legally permitted to contest, effectively quelling doubts about constitutional restrictions.
On the home front, allies dismiss Dame Patience’s opposition as inconsequential. A confidant recalled that she had also resisted Jonathan’s elevation from Bayelsa governor to vice president in 2007, but her stance did not prevent his rise.
