A coalition of northern Nigerian groups has called on former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to declare his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing the need for him to resume leadership and address ongoing national challenges.
The appeal was made public on Sunday by the Arewa Consensus for Jonathan (AC-Jonathan), a group comprising patriotic organizations and individuals from Nigeria’s northern region.
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Center in Bauchi, Manniru Musa Yisin, the National Coordinator of the AC-Jonathan 2027 Project, urged Jonathan to step forward “as a matter of urgency” to reclaim the presidency.
Yisin highlighted the group’s belief that Jonathan’s return to Aso Rock, the presidential villa, is essential to complete unfinished projects from his tenure. “It is in line with this goal that we gather here today to call on the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, to declare his interest to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election,” Yisin stated during the press briefing.
The AC-Jonathan coalition positions itself as a movement aimed at steering Nigeria away from its current socio-economic difficulties, including inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.
Yisin and his colleagues argue that subsequent administrations since Jonathan’s departure in 2015 have failed to build on his initiatives, leaving many promises unfulfilled.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, is remembered for policies in education, agriculture, and infrastructure, though his term was also marked by controversies such as the Boko Haram insurgency and corruption allegations.
The call comes amid growing speculation about the 2027 election landscape, with various political figures and groups positioning themselves for potential contests. Nigeria’s political scene has been dynamic in recent years, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) facing criticism over economic policies, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Jonathan once led, seeks to regroup.
Jonathan has not yet responded to the urging, and his representatives could not be reached for comment at the time of this report. The former president has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving office, focusing on international roles such as mediating elections in other African countries.
However, his potential return to Nigerian politics could reshape alliances, particularly given his appeal in certain regions.
The Arewa Consensus for Jonathan, which draws support from northern Nigeria—a key electoral bloc—views Jonathan’s candidacy as a unifying force. The group plans to continue mobilizing public opinion and engaging stakeholders to amplify their message.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, this development underscores the ongoing debates about leadership and governance in the country.
Political analysts suggest that any decision by Jonathan could influence voter sentiments and party strategies in the lead-up to the polls.
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