Tinubu, Beware: Jonathan-Kwankwaso Posters Flood Social Media as Ex-President Jonathan Declares Interest in 2027 Presidential Election

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that campaign posters featuring former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have flooded social media platforms, igniting fresh political debates just hours after reports confirmed Jonathan’s interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election.

OTN News further reports that the posters, which prominently display Jonathan's image alongside suggestive slogans of a political comeback have since gone viral.

OTN News observes that the development follows confirmation from close political allies that Jonathan, Nigeria’s former president from 2010 to 2015, has decided to return to the presidential race to “rescue Nigeria” from growing economic, security, and governance crises.

A close associate of the Bayelsa-born politician told Vanguard that Jonathan’s re-entry is being driven by appeals from national elders and party leaders who see him as a stabilizing figure capable of restoring Nigeria’s lost glory.

“He has accepted to run,” the source confirmed, noting that consultations have already begun across geopolitical zones.

OTN News further observes that, Jonathan has reportedly met with key figures including former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), at his Minna residence over the weekend.

The meeting was part of closed-door consultations to secure strategic backing, particularly from the North.

In the South-South, Jonathan is also said to be engaging regional stakeholders, including political leaders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to consolidate support.

OTN News also observes that, in tandem with Jonathan’s moves, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) appears poised to offer him the 2027 presidential ticket.

According to PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, the party is seriously considering an automatic ticket for Jonathan to avoid internal conflict and respond to nationwide calls for his return.

“He remains a member of our party,” Abdullahi said in a BBC Hausa interview. “As a listening party, we are responding to the overwhelming calls by Nigerians asking Jonathan to return.” he said.

Reinforcing this position, PDP National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, described Jonathan as the most experienced and marketable candidate the party has.

“Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party. If he finally accepts, the entire political landscape will change. I’m in support of an automatic ticket for him,” Woyengikuro told Vanguard.

Furthermore, Woyengikuro also floated the possibility of younger political leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, being part of the eventual ticket, a hint that Kwankwaso or other major figures could play critical roles in Jonathan’s campaign.

OTN News further observes that, Jonathan’s reported return has also triggered constitutional debates. Critics argue that, having completed the unexpired term of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2010 to 2011, followed by a full term from 2011 to 2015, Jonathan may have exceeded the constitutionally permitted time in office.

Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended in 2018, states: “A person who was sworn in to complete the term for which another person was elected as President shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

However, legal experts are divided. Mr. Elekwachi Nnabuihe, a constitutional lawyer, argued that the law cannot be applied retroactively and referenced a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Bayelsa which upheld Jonathan’s eligibility. 

He exampled, “Jonathan was only elected once, and any oath taken before June 8, 2018, is not bound by this amendment."

In contrast, human rights lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi warned that permitting Jonathan to run again would contradict the spirit of the constitution. 

“If he wins in 2027, he would have served beyond the constitutional limit,” he argued, citing Marwa Nyako as a relevant precedent.

Despite these legal uncertainties, support for Jonathan remains strong within PDP circles. Party stalwart and former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, described him as “eminently qualified,” and praised his past economic achievements.

He stated, “He is the easiest candidate to sell. He never left the PDP and did not contest in 2010 — he only stepped in through the Doctrine of Necessity."

As Jonathan’s 2027 ambitions gain momentum and posters bearing both his and Kwankwaso’s images circulate widely, analysts suggest a major realignment may be unfolding in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While Jonathan is expected to run under the PDP, Kwankwaso’s future, whether under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) or in alliance with PDP, remains uncertain.

With President Bola Tinubu expected to seek re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Kwankwaso likely to maintain his influence either independently or as a coalition partner, the 2027 presidential race is already shaping up as a high-stakes contest among three political heavyweights: Tinubu, Jonathan, and Kwankwaso.

Whether Jonathan’s return will unify or divide the PDP, and how it will impact Nigeria’s political trajectory, remains to be seen in the months ahead.