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Special Report :Goodluck Jonathan’s Potential 2027 Presidential Contest: Analysts Say His Return Could Unite or Divide Nigeria’s Opposition

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10 months ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Ebele Jonathan, since his gentlemanly exit from the Villa in 2015, coupled with his peace building efforts in countries like Cote D’Ivoire, Mali, Kenya, and the rest, has managed to earn himself reputation beyond the country.

Consequently, the Sunhak 2025 peace prize award was given to him; solidifying his contribution to peace building and conflict resolution over the years across the globe. The gentleman has been identified with ‘water’, as it is known to have no enemies.

In what looks like a plot twist in the Nigeria’s political terrain, while the country has its gaze fixated on the coalition leaders and the ruling party for a showdown in the forthcoming presidential election, an anonymous personality revealed that this gentleman has considered running for the office one more time. Although no confirmation has been made from the former president himself on the matter, but it’s concerning that the anonymous personality is said to be a political associate of him, and he keeping mum ever since the revelation.

Assuming the revelation is factual that he is going to contest in the forthcoming presidential election, what are his chances of securing the needed numbers to emerge as the president again? Walk with us as the Nigerian Tracker’s political correspondent, Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa, unravel the puzzle with political analysts:

Political Analysts Unraveled The Puzzle

Dr. Kabir Sufi, a political analyst, was asked if Good luck Jonathan would attract votes from regions beyond his if he decides to contest in the forthcoming presidential candidates and he responded that for the fact that his call to contest again is coming from another region(North), there’s every likelihood that he will enjoy votes from other regions:

“His candidacy would attract votes from other regions apart from the south south, especially from the three regions in the north where the call is coming from.”

On his chances of negatively affecting the opposition potency to truncate Tinubu’s re-election bid, Dr. Sufi analysed that unless the coalition leaders and Jonathan himself rally round a single candidate to race with the ruling party in the forthcoming election, the opposition votes would be split and that would automatically give president Tinubu the win:

“It’s obvious that he would contest under the platform of his own party, PDP. And if that happens while the ADC and SDP field their candidates, there’s definitely going to be vote split which would automatically make president Tinubu to win the election.”

Furthermore, Dr. Sufi disclosed that Jonathan’s candidacy would be appealing to the electorates, especially the conservative politicians due to his style of politics:

“Many people find him appealing because of his mild personality and his non involvement in a do-or-die politics. Definitely, that would boost his chances.”

The analyst noted that people’s perception of Azikiwe Jonathan since his rumored candidacy has been the ‘wait-and-see’ strategy:

“Well, there are a lot of uncertainties in the forthcoming presidential election, but since the rumor about his candidacy, people have adopted the ‘wait-and-see’ strategy to see under which platform he will contest, his running mate, and among other factors.”

In an engagement with another seasoned analyst, Nasiru Danjuma Yunusa, he, like Dr. Sufi, was of the opinion that Jonathan would definitely enjoy the support of other regions aside his:

“Yes, he would attract supports from other regions beyond the South South.”

In his response to Good luck Jonathan’s candidacy affecting the chances of the opposition coalition against Tinubu, Mr. Nasir buttressed thus below:

“Yes, he would affect their chances against Tinubu, except that they adopt him as the sole candidate, the race would be unhindered for the incumbent president.”

The analyst also noted that his role in peace building across the country and beyond is another element that would add to his chances of coming out appealing to the Nigerian populace.

But then, Mr. Nasir remarked that Nigerians should not expect anything different, as he would not do anything different from the present administration:

“Though, Nigerians should not expect any better treatment if he decides to contest and then win eventually because, there’s nothing he can do differently.”

Voices From The Street Of Nigeria

Emmanuel Anuku, a Lagos State resident, recalled that one of Jonathan’s weaknesses was the exacerbated nature of corruption during his administration:

“It was during his administration we heard of numerous cases of money laundering. Though it has been happening since the history of Nigeria, but his was too much.”

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When asked if Jonathan’s candidacy would jeopardize Peter Obi’s chances of winning the election in the next presidential election, Emmanuel responded that it will considering the fact that they are from the south region:

“To be accurate, his candidacy would truncate Peter Obi’s chances because the supporters of the later from the south south region who voted for him during the 2023 election will not again do that if their brother is in the race.”

He continued, “Nigerians have been yearning for Jonathan’s days in the office as the president considering his policies targeted towards livelihood which went extinct immediately Buhari took over. So, his decision to come back will be a setback for Obi. But if they decide to go consensus wise, with Good luck Jonathan stepping down for or supporting Peter Obi, such unity will give Obi the win.”

Taking into cognizance the administration of former president Jonathan, AbdulMajid Bello, a Kogite who resides in Zaria, Kaduna State, also noted that the former president faulted so badly in the security architecture of the country:

“The economy was actually stable during the administration of former president Jonathan. Food prices were stable unlike the current administration that everything has gone bad.”

“But, his major weaknesses were high rate of corruption and insurgency which made Nigerians to vote him out,” he added.

Mr. Bello also pointed out that with the system of electioneering manipulations in the country at the moment, Jonathan doesn’t have any chance of winning if he should contest. On that note, he was asked if he will vote for the former president if the rumor turns out to be true and he responded, with affirmation:

“I will definitely vote for him.”

The respondent also posited that Ebele Jonathan has the support of the north more than Obi if he decides to contest. Buttressing further to express how strong Jonathan’s candidacy would be, he predictably assured that the votes from the south would be shared equally between the two.

Interacting with another respondent, Nazir Kashim, also a Kogite but Abuja based, he applauded the former president deducing from his managerial style of the nation’s economy during his tenure:

“Good luck Jonathan actually managed the economy very well during his tenure. The level of poverty then was very low compared to now which is very bad.”

He continued, “But the issue of insecurity birthed by the Boko Haram insurgency that almost wiped out Borno State gave his administration a serious blow which made it easy for the APC to come into power.”

Mr. Nazir, while noting the achievements and setbacks of the former president, scored him 6/10.

When asked if he would cast his vote for Jonathan if he decides to contest in the forthcoming presidential election, Mr. Nazir dejectedly answered ‘No’:

“No, I won’t vote him!”

He remarked that Ebele Jonathan is politically weak, and too holy to be at the helm of affairs of this country; hence his reason why he would not cast his vote for him.

Abubakar Mohammed Kaffe, an indigene of Sokoto State, recalled and also extolled the former president on how he showed concern for welfarism and stable economy while in office while, at the same time, outlining his shortcomings:

“He actually boost the economy and showed concern for welfarism.”

“Basic needs for livelihood were subsidized during his tenure,” he continued.

“But just like the human being that we are, he faulted in some areas of which insecurity topped the list”

On his choice of casting his vote for the former president if he decides to run for the office again, Mr. Kaffe sat on the fence:

“It depends.”

When pressed to come out clear, he responded that the future is pregnant, and no one knows what might come as regards his decision to contest or not. And also for the fact that there are other contestants warming up for the moment to come, his choice of who to vote for remains undecided for now.

Interestingly, a Niger State indigene, Mahmoud Kudu Baba, while responding to the conversation, objected vehemently, the claim that the former president has made up his mind to contest again:

“It’s a blatant lie, and a propaganda obviously to fidget the opposition coalition.”

He claimed that it’s the handiwork of the mischievous players in the PDP camp who want to truncate the coalition’s triumph in the forthcoming election.

“Assuming it’s true, and he later contest, he will not win. Nigerians would not suddenly develop amnesia as to how he piloted the affairs of this country during his tenure because he conceded defeat in 2015.”

The potential re-entry of Goodluck Jonathan into Nigeria’s presidential race is more than just a political storyline; it is a pivotal variable in an already complex equation. While his esteemed international reputation as a peacemaker and his perceived gentle demeanor hold a unique appeal across regional divides, his candidacy ultimately presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it embodies a promise of unity and non-combative politics. On the other, it threatens to fracture the opposition and inadvertently pave an easier path for the incumbent’s re-election.

The analyses of Dr. Sufi and Mr. Nasir converge on a critical point: Jonathan’s impact is entirely contingent on the strategic cohesion or lack thereof among the opposition parties. The prevailing “wait-and-see” attitude among the electorate underscores that his intentions alone are not enough; the platform, the alliances, and the running mate will ultimately define his viability.

Therefore, the question remains unanswered. Will Goodluck Jonathan be the catalyst that unites a fractured opposition, or will he become the spoiler who splits the vote? For now, the nation watches and waits, as the gentleman peacemaker from Otuoke holds the cards that could redefine the 2025 political showdown.

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Court Voids Judgment Recognising NDC as Political Party

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7 hours ago

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June 26, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A federal high court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment which compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

Isah Dashen, presiding judge, while delivering ruling in a suit marked FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, held that the December 10, 2025, judgment was reached without hearing all necessary parties, rendering the proceedings constitutionally defective.

According to NAN, the ruling followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it had a legal interest in the case and should have been made a party before the court delivered judgment.

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Dashen agreed, holding that the applicant had established sufficient interest to be a party in the proceedings.

The judge said the omission rendered the entire process null and void.

He also held that material facts were not disclosed during the earlier proceedings, making it necessary to vacate the previous order.

Consequently, he ordered that the status quo be restored to what it was before the December 2025 judgment, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The court also ordered that the substantive suit begin afresh, with INEC, the PMP and the NDC joined as parties.

On February 5, 2026, Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, said “only two” out of the eight “qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the constitution and the Electoral Act”.

Despite not being part of the pre-qualified associations, the NDC was also registered by INEC.

“The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi state, in suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the commission to register Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party,” Amupitan said.

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Backlash Trails Oluremi Tinubu’s Suggestion on Akara, Kuli-Kuli Business

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7 hours ago

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June 26, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

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First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has sparked mixed reactions online following her remarks encouraging Nigerians to explore low-capital ventures such as akara frying, roasted corn sales, and kuli-kuli production as means of livelihood.
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‎She made the comments during a press briefing with State House Correspondents after the second-quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with wives of state governors, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. A video of her statement surfaced online on Friday via News Channel 247.
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‎In her address, the First Lady highlighted the initiative’s efforts to support vulnerable Nigerians through grants and empowerment programmes, stressing that beneficiaries were given financial assistance without repayment obligations.
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‎According to her, the aim was to provide immediate relief and encourage self-reliance through simple business ideas that require minimal startup capital.
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‎“We’re trying to give hope, and starting an akara business doesn’t take much money. Roasting corn or even kuli-kuli doesn’t require much either. We didn’t give loans; we gave grants,” she said, adding that she has continued to support Nigerians within available resources.
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‎She further noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative has extended interventions into sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and social welfare. She revealed that she personally contributed funds including ₦2 billion for tuberculosis control, ₦1 billion for breast cancer interventions, and ₦500 million for malnutrition support.
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‎Tinubu also explained that the initiative had facilitated scholarships, ICT training, agricultural support, and other social investment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods across the country.
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‎Reaffirming the government’s agenda, she urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing economic difficulties, saying the Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to restore confidence and improve living conditions.
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‎However, her remarks quickly triggered backlash on social media, with many Nigerians accusing her of being out of touch with the realities of economic hardship in the country.
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‎Critics on X (formerly Twitter) described the comments as insensitive, arguing that they downplay the scale of unemployment and rising cost of living.
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‎One user, @ADCVanguard_, said the statement reflects how disconnected the political class has become from ordinary citizens, while another, @ireteeh, compared the initiative with private-sector empowerment efforts that focus on tech and skill development.
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‎Some users also expressed concern that promoting petty trading was not enough given current economic challenges, insisting that Nigerians need sustainable jobs and structural economic reforms.
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‎However, others defended the First Lady, arguing that small-scale businesses like akara and roasted corn sales have historically sustained many families and remain profitable ventures when properly managed.
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‎A user, @Akikanju1568901, described akara business as a viable source of income that has helped many families educate their children and build financial stability.
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‎Another user, @PemiOladapo, emphasized that there is dignity in all forms of labour and encouraged Nigerians to embrace available opportunities and scale up gradually.
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‎Conversely, some commenters clarified that the criticism was not directed at the businesses themselves, but rather at the timing of the message, given the current economic hardship facing citizens.

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UniAbuja Hosts 51st Inaugural Lecture on Climate-Resilient Plant Breeding

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8 hours ago

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June 26, 2026

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Abuja, June 25, 2026.

Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja) on Thursday held its 51st Inaugural Lecture, where Professor Bashir Omolaran Bello, Professor of Agronomy (Plant Breeding and Genetics), underscored the importance of plant breeding in tackling climate change and ensuring global food security.

The lecture, titled “Plant Breeding for Climate Resilience and Food Security: From Genes to Sustainable Food System,” was held at the Faculty of Agriculture Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Airport Road, Abuja.

The event commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the introduction of distinguished guests, including Dr. Nasri Mustafa, Mallam Abdullah, Alhaji Wahab Ademula, Alhaji Shitu Rasheed, and Alhaji Mustafa, alongside representatives of various organizations and members of the university community.

In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, welcomed participants and expressed confidence in the success of the event. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research excellence and described the inaugural lecture series as an important platform for advancing scholarship and innovation.

Delivering the inaugural lecture, Professor Bello opened his presentation by examining the global challenges of climate change, global warming, climate resilience, and food security. He explained that climate-resilient crops “withstand, adapt, and recover from the effects of climate variability,” stressing that such crops are indispensable to sustainable agriculture in a changing climate.

Tracing the evolution of plant breeding, the professor outlined four major stages in its development: Early Domestication (10,000 BC–1865), Traditional Breeding (1865–1980), Molecular Breeding (1980–2015), and Genomics, Gene Editing and Digital Breeding (2015–2026). He explained that each phase has contributed significantly to improving crop productivity and resilience.

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Highlighting advances in biotechnology, Professor Bello discussed tissue culture as an effective technique for the production of disease-free and uniform plants. He further emphasized that “conservation is vital for long-term crop availability,” noting that preserving plant genetic resources remains essential to sustainable agriculture.

Speaking on the significance of crop improvement, he stated that “Plant breeding is vital for sustainable food development.” He observed that “plant breeding has progressed from conventional methods to genomic-assisted innovation, remaining central to agricultural transformation and global food security.”

The professor described research as the foundation of future agricultural development, declaring that “Research is a necessity.” He therefore advocated increased funding and grants to enable researchers to develop improved crop varieties capable of withstanding climate-related challenges.

Emphasizing the need for continuous scientific advancement, Professor Bello remarked that “The future depends on innovation,” adding that “the future of food security lies in continuous innovation and strategic collaboration in plant breeding.” He further urged governments, research institutions, and development partners to “ensure farmers have access to improved and climate-resilient seeds.”

Reflecting on his academic journey, Professor Bello highlighted his numerous research publications and contributions to crop improvement. Beyond maize, he disclosed that his research has focused on sweet potato, tomato, sugarcane, and several other economically important crops, demonstrating how modern plant breeding can improve productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

At the conclusion of the lecture, Professor Bello expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and acknowledged the support of his late parents, siblings, mentors, the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, the Inaugural Lecture Committee, the Faculty of Agriculture, university administrative and technical staff, heads of departments, colleagues, students, his associates at the Federal University Gashua, research partners, and all contributors to his academic journey. He dedicated the lecture to everyone who contributed to his research.

Following a vote of thanks, the Vice-Chancellor presented Professor Bello with a commemorative plaque and certificate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Agronomy and Plant Breeding. Professor Fawehinmi commended the inaugural lecturer for his scholarly achievements and expressed optimism that more professors from the university’s various faculties would continue to deliver impactful inaugural lectures.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks and a closing prayer led by Professor Umar. Guests later gathered for group photographs, bringing the university’s 51st Inaugural Lecture to a successful close.

The lecture reinforced the importance of research, innovation, conservation, and strategic collaboration in building climate-resilient agricultural systems capable of guaranteeing sustainable food security for future generations.

By Igboka Annabel
Department of Development and Strategic Communication University of Abuja Nigeria.

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