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2027: South-South PDP Divided Over Jonathan’s Possible Return.
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Edo and Delta chapters support him; Rivers and Akwa Ibom remain cautious.
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His eligibility remains in question, though a court ruling backs his right to run
Recent talks of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the 2027 presidential race have divided the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South.
Party stakeholders are sharply split: some oppose his candidacy, while others see it as necessary for the region and the party’s future.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Aides to Jonathan have confirmed that he is consulting on a run. He is reportedly being considered by the PDP, as well as the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the African Democratic Congress though PUNCH could not independently verify this.
In Bayelsa, the party awaits the stance of Governor Douye Diri, with factions aligned to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State’s suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara already taking opposing positions.
Support comes strongly from the Edo PDP, which calls Jonathan a “breath of fresh air,” and public pledges of support also came from Delta and PDP leaders in both Delta and Edo States. Akwa Ibom State PDP, however, remains awaiting a formal declaration before commenting.
Meanwhile, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed met with Jonathan in Bayelsa to discuss his return ahead of 2027. Figures like Sule Lamido and Jerry Gana have urged Jonathan to contest under the PDP banner.
Questions linger over Jonathan’s eligibility due to a 2018 constitutional amendment limiting former two-term presidents. However, his office cited a 2022 Federal High Court ruling in Yenagoa affirming his eligibility, a ruling that remains unpublished.
In Rivers State, divisions persist: Wike-aligned factions oppose a return, citing inactivity since Jonathan left office, while Fubara’s camp argues Jonathan has earned the right to recontest. A Delta PDP leader, meanwhile, pledged full support should he run.
Suspense continues, with party leaders structured to wait for Jonathan’s formal announcement before aligning definitively.
