Groups Push Jonathan To Join 2027 Presidential Race, May Pick Up PDP Presidential Form Monday
Some groups may pick up the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential nomination form for former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Sources indicated that former President Goodluck Jonathan might pick up the PDP presidential nomination form on Monday.
“Goodluck Jonathan will pick up PDP nomination form on Monday,” one of the sources said.
However, a close associate dismissed the speculation, stressing that although several groups are pushing for his candidacy, it remains uncertain whether he will make any immediate move.
“What’s happening is that various groups are pushing for him, but it’s unclear whether anything will happen tomorrow or not,” a source in Jonathan’s camp said.
The former President had asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election amid growing speculation over his possible return to active politics.
Jonathan, through his lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), challenged the competence of the suit filed by Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, shortly after the matter came up before Justice Peter Lifu on Friday.
The former president’s legal team informed the court that it had already filed a conditional appearance, a notice of preliminary objection, counter affidavit and written address on May 5, 2026, urging the court to throw out the case.
According to Uche, Jonathan’s camp only became aware of the suit through media reports, forcing them to urgently respond because of the sensitive nature of the matter bordering on the ex-president’s eligibility to contest the next presidential election.
The senior advocate described the suit as unnecessary and legally defective, arguing that the issue had already been decided by the courts in previous cases up to the Court of Appeal.
Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, told the court that the case was originally scheduled for mention but that he had just been served with Jonathan’s processes in court and would require time to respond.
Following submissions by both parties, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 11 for hearing of Jonathan’s objection as well as the substantive suit.
The judge also ordered that hearing notices be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who are listed as the second and third defendants in the matter but were absent from court proceedings.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jideobi is asking the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.
The lawyer also prayed the court to stop INEC from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a duly nominated presidential candidate.
The legal battle is coming amid increasing political speculation surrounding Jonathan’s possible return to presidential politics.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the former president was likely to formally join the 2027 presidential race after hinting at a possible comeback while addressing a group of young Nigerians who urged him to contest.
“He has already hinted at joining the race and it may happen as early as tomorrow,” a source familiar with the development told SaharaReporters on Thursday that Jonathan might announce his decision to join the race on Friday.
Jonathan recently made the remarks while addressing young Nigerians who appealed to him to run for president in 2027.
Responding to the calls, the former president described the presidential race as a serious undertaking and not something to be approached lightly.
“Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you, and I’ll consult widely. But the most important thing is in Nigeria, that the young people will have hope,” Jonathan said.
The former president also used the opportunity to urge Nigerian youths to remain patriotic and committed to the unity and progress of the country, warning that unpatriotic citizens could destroy a nation.
“I urge you to continue to be patriotic to the country. It’s only patriotic citizens that build their nations. Unpatriotic citizens will destroy their nation, take the money to anywhere to enjoy their life,” he said.
“So you must be patriotic. And things are very, very clear. The key thing we need in this country is peace.”
The former president further urged Nigerian youths to actively participate in elections and obtain their voter cards, lamenting the low level of voter turnout in Nigeria compared to other African countries where he had monitored elections.
“And as youths, we will continue to advocate for that. It’s very dear to us, peaceful elections. And indeed you, as young people, must continue to be fully involved in the electoral processes, especially your right to vote,” Jonathan said.
“I’ve observed elections in about 14 or more African countries. Some have been there two times. And even in Southeast Asia, Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle. We have the highest voter apathy.”
“And it shows us that people are not even interested in the elections. We have the worst, the least. I’ve never been to a country that has the low numbers we have, in terms of percentage of voters,” he added.
