Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to the political stage and contest against President Bola Tinubu.
Calls for his declaration, particularly from northern opposition groups, have sparked fresh debates within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about the viability of his candidacy.
In an interview with Daily Post on Friday, Adetokunbo Pearse, a Lagos PDP chieftain and former member of Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign council, dismissed the likelihood of Jonathan securing the party’s ticket.
Pearse, who previously vied for the PDP national chairmanship and the Lagos governorship, noted that while Jonathan remains a full member of the party, his lack of active participation and support over the years poses a major hurdle.
He said that since the PDP has zoned the presidency to the South, Jonathan is eligible to contest, but argued that he might not be able to get delegates for the primaries because he has not been supporting the party in any way in the last five years.
The PDP chieftain stressed that the party operates a delegate system where aspirants must mobilize support to clinch the ticket.
According to him, Jonathan’s absence from party affairs diminishes his chances of winning the primaries.
Beyond questions of loyalty and support, Pearse raised concerns about the legal uncertainties surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility, given that he was sworn in as president twice.
He said that even if Jonathan wins the election, court cases may arise, and that is a risk PDP cannot afford to take.
Pearse argued that the party already has credible contenders, pointing to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a strong prospect.
He said that Makinde represents the new generation leadership that Nigerians are demanding, and that he has proven his competence as the governor of Oyo State.
While acknowledging Jonathan’s stature as a former president, Pearse maintained that fielding him would not serve PDP’s best interest.
Speaking further, Pearse urged Nigerians to look beyond “old expired leaders” and rally behind a new class of politicians capable of challenging President Tinubu in 2027.
He said, “If he wins the ticket, I assure you he will defeat Tinubu in 2027. So what’s the whole cry about Jonathan? I don’t understand what’s going on in this country. Some people are calling Jonathan, others are calling for Tinubu, Atiku and all these old people.”
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