Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has dismissed speculation surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential participation in the 2027 presidential race, stating categorically that the ex-leader has no interest in returning to contest the election.
Adeyanju’s declaration comes amid growing rumors that Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, is being courted by the Peoples Democratic Party to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu in the next electoral cycle.
Writing on his Facebook page Monday, the activist lawyer sought to put an end to the swirling speculation. “GEJ is not interested in running for president in 2027. That chapter is closed. Anything you hear about GEJ is a distraction,” Adeyanju stated emphatically.
The rumors have gained momentum in recent weeks, with various reports suggesting that the PDP leadership has been mounting pressure on the former Bayelsa State governor to accept the party’s presidential ticket for 2027. Some political observers have speculated that Jonathan’s candidacy could provide a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
However, Jonathan himself has remained notably silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the reports about his alleged political comeback plans.
Adding his voice to the debate, Anthony Sani, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, has argued that it would be strategically unwise for Jonathan to accept any presidential ticket from the PDP. Speaking in an interview with Daily Post, Sani suggested that the former president is too politically astute to ignore the current fragmented state of Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Sani pointed out that the main opposition forces remain divided, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reportedly considering a move to the African Democratic Congress, while former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi continues with the Labour Party. He argued that this fragmentation would likely work against any opposition candidate, including Jonathan, in a contest against the incumbent president.
The ACF former chief went further, questioning Jonathan’s capacity to address Nigeria’s current challenges, suggesting that his previous presidential performance offers little indication that he possesses the solutions needed to transform the country’s fortunes.
As the 2027 election approaches, the speculation around Jonathan’s potential candidacy reflects the ongoing search for viable opposition figures capable of challenging the ruling party’s continued hold on power.
