Segun Sowunmi, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesman to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may face a significantly tougher challenge in the 2027 presidential election if former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to contest.
Speaking during a political segment on Nigeria Info FM 99.3, Sowunmi described Jonathan as a potential “wild-cat” candidate who could upend current political permutations and rally strong regional and national support if he emerges as the PDP’s flagbearer.
“Jonathan may be our wild-cat. Jonathan is the man. He will not have legitimacy issues in the South-South, and he’ll draw good numbers from the North and the Middle Belt.”
Although Jonathan has neither confirmed nor denied interest in the 2027 race, there has been intense speculation within political circles about a possible comeback bid under the PDP platform.
Some analysts believe the former president’s return could serve as a unifying force within the fractured opposition, especially amid growing public dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration.
Sowunmi emphasized that Jonathan’s broad acceptability across regions could present a formidable obstacle to Tinubu’s re-election efforts, especially given the current discontent in northern Nigeria.
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“If Jonathan comes out, I can guarantee you that Bola Tinubu will have a bigger problem on his table,” he said.
“He will need a bigger strategy than the one he’s running now to defeat Jonathan.”
He added that Tinubu’s support base, particularly in the South-West, cannot be taken for granted, warning that Yoruba voters are not known to offer blind loyalty at the polls.
“If Tinubu is banking on the Yoruba alone, he may be disappointed. They are not the type to give their votes to one person without questioning outcomes.”
Sowunmi also took aim at the current administration, pointing to widespread dissatisfaction, especially in the far northern parts of the country.
“If you go to the far corners of the North and hear what people are saying about Tinubu’s government, you will cry,” he said, referencing growing concerns over insecurity, inflation, and policy inconsistency.
While the PDP has yet to determine its strategy for the 2027 elections, the possibility of a Jonathan candidacy continues to stir conversation. The former president has remained largely silent on the matter, fueling both anticipation and uncertainty within political and civil society circles.
Should he declare his interest, Jonathan’s entrance could dramatically reshape the 2027 race, potentially forcing both major parties to recalibrate their strategies ahead of what is already shaping up to be a high-stakes electoral contest.