Jonathan free to run in 2027 but faces scrutiny over eligibility

The Nigerian Presidency yesterday acknowledged former President Goodluck Jonathan’s right to contest the 2027 presidential election but warned that Nigerians would scrutinize his record compared to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic achievements.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ruled out granting Jonathan an automatic ticket, listing him among several potential candidates.

In a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, the Presidency described early moves by opposition figures to position Jonathan for 2027 as premature and politically motivated with an aim to undermine the current administration.

The statement singled out former Information Minister Prof Jerry Gana for attempting to draft Jonathan back onto the PDP platform, calling it “a legacy of economic ruins” after 16 years of misrule.

Jonathan, who lost the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari, has been reportedly consulting key national figures, including former military President Ibrahim Babangida and ADC Chairman Senator David Mark, as he explores his presidential ambitions.

Sources say Jonathan’s condition for contesting under the ADC is that he be the sole aspirant for the party’s ticket.Despite his ambitions, Jonathan’s wife reportedly favors supporting Tinubu’s reelection, citing Tinubu’s prior support for Jonathan in 2011.

The Presidency emphasized that Jonathan’s bid would face judicial scrutiny regarding constitutional eligibility to serve a third term, since he has already been sworn in twice as president. It urged Jonathan to beware of “PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders” who, it alleged, would use him for personal or ethnic interests and then abandon him as happened in 2015.

The Presidency accused Jonathan’s administration of economic mismanagement, frivolous spending, depleted reserves, and corruption tied to fuel import and security funds distribution. It stressed that Nigeria’s economic downturn began under Jonathan, contrasting this with Tinubu’s recent reforms which have led to GDP growth, lower inflation, stronger foreign reserves, a stabilizing naira, and renewed investor confidence.

Former President Jonathan remains a potential contender, but faces both legal and political hurdles, as the stage for the 2027 general elections heats up.