2027: Jonathan under pressure as northern groups conclude plans to purchase N100m form
- +Political coalition seeks alternative platforms
- +Eligibility battle moves to Federal High Court
- +Court adjourns as 2027 deadline looms
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is facing renewed pressure to enter the 2027 presidential race, as a coalition of northern groups concludes plans to purchase the N100m expression of interest and nomination forms on his behalf.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is facing renewed pressure to enter the 2027 presidential race, as a coalition of northern groups concludes plans to purchase the N100m expression of interest and nomination forms on his behalf.
The movement, operating under the aegis of the Almajiri Network, Arewa for Good Governance, and the Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance, amongst others, maintains that Jonathan is the only candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu. Sources suggest that prominent northern politicians, including Professor Jerry Gana, are working behind the scenes to secure the former president’s consent.
Political coalition seeks alternative platforms
While Jonathan has yet to formally commit, the coalition remains optimistic. A source speaking on the condition of anonymity disclosed that the former president has been approached but is still consulting. The group has also offered Jonathan the liberty to choose his preferred political platform, citing the ongoing internal crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a potential deterrent to using his former party.
Alternative parties under consideration include the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The coalition aims to finalise these arrangements before the 30 May deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of candidate lists.
Eligibility battle moves to Federal High Court
The draft movement faces significant legal obstacles, specifically regarding Jonathan’s eligibility to serve another term. A suit filed by a group led by one Mr Jideobi on 6 October 2025 seeks a perpetual injunction to bar Jonathan from the 2027 race. The plaintiffs argue on constitutional grounds that the former president cannot be sworn in for a third time.
Jonathan, through his counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, challenged the suit last Friday before Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Uche filed a notice of preliminary objection and a counter-affidavit, urging the court to dismiss the case. He noted that similar eligibility questions had previously been resolved by the Federal High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal.l
Court adjourns as 2027 deadline looms
Justice Lifu has adjourned the matter to 11 May at 2 p.m. for a consolidated hearing of both the preliminary objection and the substantive suit. The court has also ordered that hearing notices be served on INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who are joined as co-defendants.
Goodluck Jonathan first assumed the presidency on 6 May 2010, following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He subsequently won the 2011 general election but lost his 2015 re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari. Whether he chooses to test the constitutional limits of his tenure remains dependent on his “wide consultations” and the impending court ruling.
