Dare Babalola
Political analyst Idowu Johnson has dismissed speculations about a possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the presidential race in 2027.
Johnson made the remarks on Monday during an interview with NEWSTELLERS, saying the former leader and the People’s Democratic Party may no longer command the political strength needed to challenge the ruling party, All Progressives Congress.
The analyst was reacting to reports that the PDP is set to screen Jonathan as its sole presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 election.
The PDP had announced that Jonathan would be screened on Tuesday by a 14-member committee headed by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, SAN. Other members of the panel include former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi.
The development followed reports that Jonathan recently completed the PDP’s fresh digital membership registration exercise directed by INEC, fueling renewed speculation about his possible political comeback.
However, Johnson said he was uncertain whether the move was genuine, noting that Jonathan himself had repeatedly denied any interest in contesting the presidency again.
“Well, I’m not sure whether it is very serious. Jonathan himself has denied having any interest, and even his wife has said people should allow her husband to rest,” he said.
The analyst added that even if Jonathan eventually joins the race, the PDP may still struggle to defeat the ruling party due to changing political realities and the weakened state of the opposition party.
According to him, Jonathan’s popularity during his presidency more than a decade ago cannot be compared to the current political climate in Nigeria.
“When Jonathan was popular, that was over 10 years ago. Events have changed a lot of things politically and economically,” Johnson stated.
He argued that many of Nigeria’s current economic difficulties began during Jonathan’s administration, adding that the political structure that once supported the PDP had significantly diminished.
“The PDP is destroyed, diminished and truncated. I don’t think the party can successfully return to power after years out of government,” he added.
Johnson also maintained that regional and political calculations ahead of the 2027 election had shifted considerably, making it difficult for any former political structure to guarantee victory.
