Jonathan enters 2027 equation as youths rally for his return

The 2027 presidential race may be witnessing a fresh twist as former President Goodluck Jonathan finds himself back in the spotlight, spurred by growing calls from Nigerian youths and political groups urging him to re-enter the political arena.

On Wednesday, hundreds of young Nigerians under the banner of the Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan gathered at Taraba Close in the Maitama district of the Federal Capital Territory, turning the usually quiet neighborhood into a sea of chants, placards, and vibrant energy.

Some of the messages displayed read, “GEJ: Nigeria is dying, save it!”, “GEJ, Nigerian youths break the medicine wey dem do you,” and “GEJ, if you no run, we quench,” reflecting a mix of urgency, nostalgia, and hope.

Leading the rally, the coalition’s National President, Tom Ohikere, said the demonstration was the culmination of six months of nationwide consultations. “Everywhere we have visited, the call for his return to power to rescue our country has been loud and unmistakable,” he said, describing Jonathan as a unifying figure capable of addressing Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.

He added, “We will keep coming until we get a positive response,” signaling that pressure from the coalition is likely to continue in the weeks ahead.

Although Jonathan was not at home to meet the demonstrators, reportedly arriving at his residence around 1 pm after the crowd had dispersed, the symbolic energy of the rally underscores a growing political momentum.

The push for Jonathan’s return echoes similar efforts in 2022 when groups across the country canvassed support for him ahead of the 2023 elections. At the time, some northern youths and political actors even purchased the All Progressives Congress presidential nomination and expression of interest forms on his behalf, despite his membership in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party. The move sparked widespread debate over its legality and political implications.

Since leaving office in 2015, Jonathan has largely stayed away from active politics, adopting a statesman role focused on diplomacy and election observation missions across Africa. Yet, the persistent calls from both home and diaspora organizations suggest that a 2027 return is being seriously contemplated by some quarters of the electorate.