Bala Mohammed fuels 2027 presidential buzz with Goodluck Jonathan’s possible candidacy

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State recently fueled speculation about the 2027 presidential race by endorsing former President Goodluck Jonathan as the ideal candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking to supporters urging him to run, Mohammed, who served as FCT Minister under Jonathan, declared he would prefer Jonathan to lead the country again.

“As long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for leadership unless he decides not to run,” he said, praising Jonathan’s leadership during his presidency from 2010 to 2015.

Jonathan, who became Nigeria’s first sitting president to lose a re-election bid in 2015, governed during a period of economic growth and relative stability.

However, he faced significant criticism over issues like corruption and insecurity, which were pivotal in his defeat. Despite this, there appears to be growing nostalgia for his administration, with supporters pointing to his inclusive governance and competent economic team.

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Rumors of Jonathan’s potential return are not new. Before the 2023 election, there were speculations about his candidacy under the APC, though he distanced himself from these efforts.

The appeal of Jonathan’s candidacy in 2027, particularly to northerners, lies in the fact that by law, he could only serve one more term, thus maintaining the north-south power rotation.

However, several hurdles stand in Jonathan’s path, including a constitutional amendment that could bar him from running and potential opposition within the PDP, especially from figures like Atiku Abubakar.

Additionally, if President Bola Tinubu decides to seek re-election, Jonathan could face a formidable opponent.

While the speculation is gaining traction, it’s still early days in the political landscape, and the final decision on Jonathan’s potential candidacy remains uncertain.

As political maneuvers continue, the possibility of a Jonathan comeback will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion among Nigeria’s political elite.