2027 Presidential Comeback: Why Jonathan visited IBB in Minna revealed

In light of renewed speculation regarding a potential presidential candidacy in 2027 against President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan recently convened a private meeting with former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

Details of the discussions remain confidential; however, sources with knowledge of the meeting indicate that the dialogue focused on the evolving political landscape in anticipation of the upcoming 2027 general elections.

According to an aide to General Babangida, during the meeting, IBB directly inquired whether Jonathan intends to pursue another presidential bid. The former president reportedly indicated that he has yet to reach a definitive decision.

Analysts suggest that Jonathan’s prospects may be constrained by the public position expressed by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, who has been a significant influence in his political journey.

In May, the former First Lady explicitly ruled out any aspiration to return to Aso Rock and conveyed her support for President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu for the 2027 elections.

Speaking at an event in Abuja, Patience said: “There is only one president at a time. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back; so that the country can move forward.”

She also praised Remi Tinubu, describing her as a longtime friend and political ally dating back to their time as wives of deputy governors and later as First Ladies.

“I’ve known Oluremi Tinubu for many years. Even when my husband was vice president, she and her husband supported us. So, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend. I’ve told her I will campaign with her. I’m not running. I won’t return to the Villa,” she said.

Her remarks were widely interpreted as a definitive signal that the Jonathans are not seeking a return to power, with observers citing her influence in her husband’s political decisions.

Beyond the former First Lady’s posture, the role of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a key PDP power broker with known sympathies for President Tinubu, has also emerged as a factor.

A senior party source told Daily Trust: “From what we are seeing, over Wike’s dead body will Jonathan get the PDP ticket if Wike thinks it could derail Tinubu’s re-election.”

Bala Mohammed’s hints and party dynamics

For many political observers, the PDP’s internal push for either Jonathan or Peter Obi as its 2027 presidential candidate is unsurprising.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum and is seen as a likely contender himself, has on multiple occasions acknowledged the appeal of a Southern candidate.

In August 2024, he hinted at stepping aside if Jonathan decided to contest.

“With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as leader of the opposition. I know there are good leaders within the PDP, especially my boss Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

“I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for leadership of this country, unless he decides not to run. If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood.”

Mohammed, who served as FCT Minister during Jonathan’s presidency, praised his former boss’s leadership style, citing initiatives such as the Almajiri education programme and youth empowerment schemes as examples of inclusive governance.

He added: “His recruitment of leaders was exemplary. We need people like him—young, energetic, with foresight and vision.”

In March 2025, Governor Mohammed further stirred the political waters by declaring Peter Obi as the de facto leader of Nigeria’s opposition, signalling openness to an alliance.

“Whether we like it or not, Peter Obi is the leader of the opposition in Nigeria now because of his position and pedigree. I’m ready to work with him to bring good governance to the country,” he said.

While dismissing questions about Obi’s possible return to the PDP as “semantics,” he stressed the need for unity: “Coming together is not about party, region or religion. It’s about service to the people.”

Analysts weigh Jonathan’s potential candidacy

Reacting to the latest developments, Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, told Daily Trust that while the push for Jonathan’s return may not materialise, its implications are significant.

“I do not think the overture will succeed. President Jonathan is now happy playing at the global stage. His wife has also crossed over the rubicon. I doubt that he would be willing to risk all at this stage although there are many who want him to come. I will also like him to come back. But it looks unlikely to happen,” he said.

Amadi added that the North may see a Jonathan candidacy as a strategic choice.

“The North stands to gain more with Jonathan’s return. It is a case of the devil I know is better than the angel I do not know. Jonathan was a good president to the North even better than Buhari. He will do one term because of constitutional limitations. So it is a bankable option for a North that wants a guarantee of power returning to the region in 2031.”

However, he warned that Jonathan’s entry could split the opposition and weaken the ADC’s momentum.

“It means that there would be a split in the support base of the Obidients and the ADC. Jonathan will be the most formidable opponent to Tinubu because the North will find him a good alternative to Tinubu. But Peter Obi will remain the choice of the youths and that may reduce the prospect of victory for Jonathan. I think he will not run,” he concluded.

On his part, Professor Abubakar Umar Kari, a political analyst based in Abuja, told BBC Hausa that Jonathan’s return would significantly alter the 2027 contest.

“It would be a very competitive race. As a former president with a strong support base, his entry could revive the PDP, which many now consider comatose.”

He added that Jonathan’s candidacy would pose a direct challenge to both the APC and the ADC coalition.

“If he accepts to run, it could deal a serious blow to the coalition, which currently positions itself as the main alternative to Tinubu’s re-election.”

Additional reports from Daily Trust.